Lexical Summary zoqen: Elder, old man Original Word: זֹקֶן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance age From zaqen; old age -- age. see HEBREW zaqen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as zaqan Definition old age NASB Translation age (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs זֹ֫קֶן noun [masculine] old age — עֵינֵי ישׂראל כָּֽבְדוּ מִ֫זֹּקֶן Genesis 48:10 (E). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope זֹקֶן (zōqen) denotes the condition of advanced age and the effects that accompany it. Though it appears only once (Genesis 48:10), Scripture regularly treats old age as a season marked by both physical decline and accumulated wisdom (Job 12:12; Proverbs 16:31). The term is related to the broader root ז־ק־ן, from which come “elder” (זָקֵן) and “to grow old” (verb זָקֵן), underscoring the biblical linkage between longevity, honor, and leadership. Narrative Context in Genesis 48:10 “Now Israel’s eyes were dim with age, so that he could not see” (Genesis 48:10). Jacob, having walked with God through deceit, exile, and restoration, now blesses Ephraim and Manasseh. His fading eyesight contrasts with his spiritual clarity; physical weakness heightens the reader’s awareness of God’s sustaining grace. The single occurrence of זֹקֶן thus anchors a pivotal covenant moment: despite bodily frailty, Jacob passes the Abrahamic promise to the next generation (Genesis 48:15–16). Old age does not hinder divine purpose; it frames it. Biblical Theology of Old Age 1. Honor due to the aged 2. Source of wisdom and counsel 3. Frailty and dependence 4. Sustaining grace Elders and Ministry Implications The New Testament office of “elder” (Greek presbyteros) is built upon the Old Testament concept bound to the ז־ק־ן root. Spiritual maturity—rather than merely chronological age—is requisite, yet the language retains the honorific weight of seniority (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:1–4). Congregations therefore: • Esteem seasoned believers as repositories of corporate memory and doctrinal stability. Wisdom and Legacy in Old Age Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons illustrates purposeful legacy. Likewise, Moses delivers Deuteronomy shortly before death (Deuteronomy 34:7), and David commissions Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:2–10). Scripture urges the aged to: • Declare God’s works to coming generations (Psalm 71:18). Christological and Eschatological Touchpoints While the Gospels do not portray Jesus as advanced in years, Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25–38) embody righteous old age awaiting Messiah. Their prophetic witness at Christ’s dedication exemplifies how God employs mature saints in redemptive milestones. Eschatologically, longevity finds ultimate fulfillment in resurrected, glorified life where decay is abolished (1 Corinthians 15:53–54; Revelation 21:4). Practical Reflections for Contemporary Believers • Churches should cultivate intergenerational fellowship, honoring the aged while invigorating the young. Conclusion זֹקֶן, though appearing but once, serves as a theological lens through which Scripture presents the dignity, challenges, and redemptive purpose of old age. Physical decline contrasts with spiritual maturity, inviting God’s people to honor, learn from, and shepherd those who bear the silver crown of years. Forms and Transliterations מִזֹּ֔קֶן מזקן miz·zō·qen mizZoken mizzōqenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 48:10 HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ כָּבְד֣וּ מִזֹּ֔קֶן לֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל NAS: were [so] dim from age [that] he could KJV: were dim for age, [so that] he could INT: of Israel were dim age he could 1 Occurrence |
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