זֹ֫קֶן (zo.qen)
zo.qen
old age
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zoqen refers to the stage of life known as old age. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Genesis 48:10. In this specific instance, the text notes that Jacob’s eyes were dim due to his age when he blessed Joseph’s sons.
This single occurrence highlights how the word anchors a narrative moment of physical decline and spiritual authority. The sources identify it as a straightforward descriptor for advanced years, without the complex nuances found in other related terms. Its rarity in Scripture suggests it was a common enough concept that it did not require frequent emphasis, yet its presence here marks a significant transition in the patriarchal lineage.
Translators typically render zoqen simply as "old age" or "age." The word carries no inherent judgment about wisdom or virtue; it is a factual marker of time passed. By focusing on this neutral definition, we see that the biblical text values the person regardless of their physical state, as seen in Jacob’s continued role as a blessing-giver despite his frailty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zoqen simply marks the stage of life we call old age. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 48:10. The text tells us that Jacob’s eyes were dim because of his age. This is a plain description of physical change, not a statement about his spiritual value or wisdom.
Even with failing sight, Jacob still held the role of blessing the next generation. Joseph brought his sons close, and Jacob embraced them. The Bible shows us that God’s purpose does not stop when our bodies weaken. Your worth is not tied to your strength or clarity of vision.
This single verse reminds us that every stage of life has its own dignity. We are valued for who we are in Christ, not for how well we see or how strong we stand. May you find peace knowing that your time with the Lord matters at every age.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ old age1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/זֹּ֔קֶן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 48:10
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
This occurrence anchors the narrative by showing Jacob’s physical decline alongside his continued spiritual authority as he blesses Joseph's sons.