זָקֵן (za.qen)
za.qen
be old
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zaqen describes the process of becoming old or being in a state of advanced age. It covers the natural physical decline that comes with time, yet it does not necessarily imply frailty or weakness. The sources note that this word applies to both people and even plants, such as trees that have grown old, showing its broad use for anything that has reached maturity through time.
A key feature of zaqen is its association with authority. In the Old Testament, it frequently appears in the phrase "elders of Israel" or "elders of the city." These leaders were not just older individuals but respected figures who held social and judicial power. For example, when Joshua addresses the nation in Joshua 23:1, he speaks as an aged leader reflecting on his long service, linking physical age with accumulated wisdom and experience.
The word’s root is linked to the idea of a beard or chin, suggesting that visible signs of aging were culturally significant markers of status. Translators often render it as "old" or "aged," capturing both the biological reality and the social respect commanded by those who have lived long lives. This dual meaning highlights how ancient Hebrew culture viewed age not merely as a loss of youth but as a gain in standing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zaqen describes the natural process of aging, capturing both the physical reality of growing older and the social respect that often accompanies it. In ancient Israel, age was not seen merely as a decline but as a marker of wisdom and authority. This is why the term frequently appears in phrases like "elders," referring to leaders who guided the community with experience rather than just power.
For your faith life, this word offers a gentle perspective on your own journey. Whether you are young or advanced in years, your stage of life has value. Scripture shows us figures like Joshua and David reflecting on their long service, linking their physical age with accumulated wisdom. It reminds us that growing older is part of God's design, bringing its own unique opportunities to serve and lead.
Even when the body weakens, as seen in Isaac’s dimming eyes or David’s need for warmth, the spirit can remain engaged with God’s purposes. This word invites us to honor the aging process and those who have walked before us, recognizing that every season of life holds a specific role in our shared story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he was old11×
- I am old5×
- he is old3×
- you have become old1×
- you are old1×
- she is old1×
- it will grow old1×
- he will be old1×
- and/ he became old1×
- I am [too] old1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זָקֵ֔ן4×
- זָקֵ֣ן3×
- זָקֵ֖ן3×
- זָקֵֽן\׃2×
- יַזְקִ֣ין1×
- יַ֝זְקִ֗ין1×
- זָקַֽנְתִּי\׃1×
- זָקַ֣נְתִּי1×
- זָקַ֙נְתָּה֙1×
- זָקַ֖נְתִּי1×
- זָקַ֔נְתָּ1×
- זָקַ֔נְתִּי1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 23:1
After many days, when Yahweh had given rest to Israel from their enemies all around, and Joshua was old and well advanced in years,
This verse marks Joshua’s final address as an aged leader, linking his physical aging with the weight of his long service to Israel.
-
I Samuel 8:5
They said to him, “Behold, you are old, and your sons don’t walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
The elders use this word to acknowledge Samuel’s age while requesting a king, showing how aging was tied to their desire for stable leadership.
-
Psalms 37:25
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.
David uses this term to contrast his past youth with his current old age, affirming that God has sustained him throughout both seasons.
-
Genesis 18:12
Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
Sarah references her advanced age to express doubt about bearing a child, highlighting the biological reality of aging in the face of divine promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word zaqen mean?
How is zaqen different from other words for age?
Where does this word appear most often?
Does this word only apply to people?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 11 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
Genesis 18:13Yahweh said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’
Genesis 19:31The firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in to us in the way…
Genesis 24:1Abraham was old, and well advanced in age. Yahweh had blessed Abraham in all things.
Genesis 27:1When Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, “My…
Genesis 27:2He said, “See now, I am old. I don’t know the day of my death.