זִקְנָה (ziq.nah)
ziq.nah
old age
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ziqnah refers simply to old age, describing the later stage of human life. It appears six times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Psalms, Kings, and Isaiah. The word captures a natural phase of existence rather than a specific condition or disease.
Its usage often highlights the dignity associated with longevity. In Psalm 92:14, for instance, it describes those who still bear fruit in old age, suggesting continued vitality and purpose. Similarly, in 1 Kings 1:1, it marks the advanced years of King David, setting the stage for the succession narrative.
The term carries a neutral to positive connotation in these contexts, emphasizing endurance and the passage of time. It does not imply decline or weakness but rather the fullness of years. Translators consistently render it as "old age" or "in old age," maintaining this straightforward sense across different books of the Bible.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ziqnah points simply to old age, a natural phase of life that carries its own dignity. It is not defined by decline or weakness, but by the fullness of years and the endurance that comes with them. In Scripture, this stage is often seen as a time when God’s faithfulness remains steady, offering comfort rather than fear.
For those navigating later seasons, these verses remind us that purpose does not fade with time. Psalm 92:14 describes the righteous who still bear fruit in old age, suggesting continued vitality and meaning. Similarly, Isaiah 46:4 assures us that God carries us even to gray hairs, promising presence through every stage of life.
This word invites us to view aging not as a loss, but as a continuation of God’s work. It encourages patience and trust, knowing that our value is not tied to youth or strength alone. Instead, it highlights the quiet beauty of longevity and the hope that God remains with us until the end.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- old age3×
- old age/ his1×
- old age/ her1×
- [the] old age of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זִקְנָתָ֑/הּ1×
- זִקְנָת֔/וֹ1×
- זִקְנָה֙1×
- זִקְנָ֨ה\׀1×
- זִקְנָ֑ה1×
- זִקְנַ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 71:9
Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails.
The psalmist uses ziqnah to express a plea for God's continued presence when physical strength fades, highlighting dependence on divine support in later years.
-
Psalms 71:18
Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.
Here, the word marks a commitment to declare God's strength to future generations, showing that old age is a time for passing on faith rather than withdrawing from it.
-
Isaiah 46:4
Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
God uses this term to promise personal care and deliverance even in advanced years, emphasizing His enduring commitment to those who trust Him.