Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental to biblical studies, as it provides deeper insight into the meaning and cultural context of New Testament texts. The Greek word θηλάζω (thēlazō) is particularly significant because it describes the act of nursing or breastfeeding, a concept rich with cultural, spiritual, and metaphorical meanings. This word not only helps us understand specific passages in the New Testament but also sheds light on the social and familial structures of ancient Greek and Jewish cultures.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θηλάζω (thēlazō) [thay-LAH-zo]
• Etymology: Derived from the noun θηλή (thēlē), meaning “teat” or “nipple,” which itself comes from the verb root θηλ- (thel-), meaning “to suckle” or “nurse.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; used in the present active tense to indicate the act of breastfeeding or nursing.
• Grammatical Details: Omega verb, present tense; conjugated to indicate continuous or repeated action.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To nurse or suckle: To feed an infant at the breast, commonly referring to the act of a mother breastfeeding her child.
• To give milk: More broadly, to provide sustenance through nursing.

Similar Words: τρέφω (trephō) [TREH-fo] is another Greek verb meaning “to nourish” or “to feed.” While θηλάζω specifically refers to the act of breastfeeding, τρέφω has a broader meaning that includes any form of feeding or nurturing. Another related word is γαλουχέω (galoucheō) [ga-lou-KHE-oh], which also means “to nurse” but often refers to the more extended nurturing period, not just breastfeeding.

Further Insights: θηλάζω is a typical omega verb in Greek, which follows a regular pattern of conjugation. Here is the full conjugation of θηλάζω in the present active indicative:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: θηλάζω is defined as “to nurse, suckle.” BDAG emphasizes that the term is used primarily in the context of breastfeeding an infant, providing several New Testament examples where it is employed in both literal and metaphorical senses.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θηλάζω as “to give suck, to nurse,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to depict mothers breastfeeding their children. Thayer’s also notes its metaphorical usage to signify spiritual nourishment or care.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s notes that θηλάζω specifically means “to suckle or nurse,” focusing on its application in describing the natural bond between a mother and her child. Vine’s also discusses how the term is used figuratively in passages that describe the early nurturing of faith.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a broad definition of θηλάζω, from its literal meaning of “to suckle, nurse” to its use in more abstract contexts to signify feeding or nurturing, whether physically or spiritually.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2337. Strong’s defines θηλάζω as “to suckle, to nurse,” referring to its common use in New Testament narratives to depict the act of breastfeeding and its implications in various cultural and spiritual contexts.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 24:19: “And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck (θηλάζουσαι) in those days!”
• Luke 11:27: “And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked (ἐθηλάσας)!”
• Luke 23:29: “For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck (θηλάζουσαι).”

Classical Usage

Summary of θηλάζω (G2337)

The Greek verb θηλάζω (thēlazō) is primarily used to denote the act of nursing or breastfeeding. It is a word rich in meaning, reflecting both the literal and metaphorical nurturing of young. The term appears multiple times in the New Testament and classical literature, conveying the importance of care, sustenance, and the intimate bond between mother and child. Understanding θηλάζω helps us grasp the cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions of nurturing in ancient Greek and biblical contexts.

Did You Know?

The word θηλάζω is closely related to the English word “lactate,” which also refers to the act of breastfeeding. Both words share a common Indo-European root, which points to the universal importance of nursing in early human societies, both for survival and for forming early bonds between mother and child.