Original Word: זֹקֶן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: zoqen
Pronunciation: zaw-KANE
Phonetic Spelling: (zo'-ken)
KJV: age
NASB: age
Word Origin: [from H2204 (זָקֵן - old)]

1. old age

age

From zaqen; old age -- age.

see HEBREW zaqen

Word Origin
from the same as zaqan
Definition
old age
NASB Translation
age (1).

זֹ֫קֶן noun [masculine] old age — עֵינֵי ישׂראל כָּֽבְדוּ מִ֫זֹּקֶן Genesis 48:10 (E).

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
• “You are to rise in the presence of the elderly and honor the old man; you shall fear your God” (Leviticus 19:32).
• Respect for the aged mirrors reverence for God, reflecting His design for community order.

2. Source of wisdom and counsel
• “Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life” (Job 12:12).
• Elders at the gates of Israel (Ruth 4:1–11) guide legal and covenantal affairs, showing that longevity ideally produces discernment for communal flourishing.

3. Frailty and dependence
• Ecclesiastes 12:1–7 poetically describes the physical decline of age, reminding believers of mortality and the Creator.
• Psalm 71:9: “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.” The aged saint leans wholly on divine faithfulness.

4. Sustaining grace
• “Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your gray hairs I will carry you” (Isaiah 46:4). God remains steadfast from cradle to cane.

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.
• Provide avenues for mentoring, counseling, and intercessory prayer, harnessing life experience for edification.
• Guard against marginalizing the elderly; physical limitations must not eclipse spiritual utility.

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).
• Model perseverance, demonstrating that faith matures through trial.
• Finish well, anticipating the “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

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.
• Pastoral care must address unique physical and emotional challenges of senior years, offering hope anchored in Isaiah 46:4.
• Believers approaching old age can plan intentionally—organizing testimonies, ethical wills, and blessings—mirroring Jacob’s forward-looking faith.

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.

מִזֹּ֔קֶן מזקן miz·zō·qen mizZoken mizzōqenInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts