אֹ֫כֶל (o.khel)
o.khel
food
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun o.khel simply means food, covering everything from grain and meat to a full meal or even prey. It derives directly from the verb for eating, so it refers broadly to anything consumed for sustenance. In the Pentateuch, it often describes practical provisions, such as the grain stored during Joseph’s years of plenty (Genesis 41:35) or the manna gathered by the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:16).
Its usage extends beyond human diet to describe the sustenance of animals. In Job and Psalms, it appears when describing what lions or ravens hunt and eat, highlighting God’s provision for all living creatures (Psalm 104:21). This broad scope shows that the word does not distinguish between refined dining and basic survival needs, treating all nourishment as a gift from God.
Translators render it variously as food, meat, or victuals depending on the context. While modern English often separates "food" from "meat," the Hebrew term encompasses both without distinction. It serves as a concrete reminder of physical dependence, appearing in narratives where survival hinges on having enough to eat.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word o.khel refers to the physical sustenance God provides, ranging from daily bread to stored grain. In Genesis, Joseph uses this term when planning for famine, showing that wise stewardship involves preparing for future needs while trusting in divine provision. This practical view reminds us that our daily meals are not just routine but gifts meant to sustain life and community.
Psalm 104 expands this idea by describing how God gives food to all living creatures, from lions to ravens. This broad perspective invites us to see nourishment as a shared blessing rather than a personal achievement. When we recognize that every bite comes from God’s hand, our gratitude deepens and our anxiety about scarcity begins to fade.
Ultimately, o.khel connects our physical hunger to spiritual dependence. Just as the Israelites gathered manna each morning, we are called to trust God for today’s needs without hoarding or fearing tomorrow. This simple word encourages a heart of contentment, knowing that the Creator cares for both our bodies and our souls.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- food23×
- food/ their5×
- food/ his4×
- [the] food of3×
- the/ food2×
- the/ meal1×
- for/ food1×
- food/ your1×
- food/ its1×
- and/ to/ food/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֹֽכֶל\׃8×
- אֹ֣כֶל4×
- אֹ֥כֶל3×
- אֹ֑כֶל3×
- אֹ֭כֶל2×
- אֹ֙כֶל֙2×
- אָכְלָ֣/ם2×
- אָכְל֑/וֹ2×
- וּֽ/לְ/אָכְלְ/כֶ֛ם1×
- הָ/אֹ֤כֶל1×
- הָ/אֹ֜כֶל1×
- הָ/אֹ֗כֶל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:35
Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and store grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.
Joseph uses this term to describe storing grain, linking physical provision with wise stewardship during times of plenty.
-
Exodus 16:18
When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They each gathered according to his eating.
This verse shows the manna gathered according to each person's eating, demonstrating that God’s provision is sufficient and fair for every individual.
-
Genesis 42:7
Joseph saw his brothers, and he recognized them, but acted like a stranger to them, and spoke roughly with them. He said to them, “Where did you come from?” They said, “From the land of Canaan, to buy food.”
The brothers come to buy food, revealing how this word anchors human survival in the midst of family conflict and famine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does o.khel mean in the Bible?
How is o.khel different from lechem?
Why does this word matter for Christians today?
Every Occurrence (39 verses across 12 books)
Genesis 13 verses
They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way.
Genesis 41:35Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and store grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the…
Genesis 41:36The food will be to supply the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; so that the…
Genesis 41:48He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities. He…
Genesis 42:7Joseph saw his brothers, and he recognized them, but acted like a stranger to them, and spoke roughly with them. He…
Genesis 42:10They said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food.
Genesis 43:2When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a…
Genesis 43:4If you’ll send our brother with us, we’ll go down and buy you food;
Genesis 43:20and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food.
Genesis 43:22We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks.”
Genesis 44:1He commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each…
Genesis 44:25Our father said, ‘Go again and buy us a little food.’
Genesis 47:24It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of…