Original Word: עֲלוּקָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `aluwqah
Pronunciation: ah-loo-KAH
Phonetic Spelling: (al-oo-kaw')
KJV: horse-leech
NASB: leech
Word Origin: [feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to suck]

1. the leech

horse-leech

Feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to suck; the leech -- horse-leech.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
a leech
NASB Translation
leech (1).

עֲלוּקָה noun feminine leech (perhaps Aramaic loan-word; > vampyre-like demon, Ew and others = Arabic ±Aula‡ We^{Heid. 2, 149}, or name of sage, as some Rabbi; see discussion De Toy); — שְׁתֵּי בָנוֺת ׳לְַ Proverbs 30:15.

עֹלָ֫תָה Job 5:16 etc., see עַוְלָה below עָוַל.

I, II. עַם, עִם see below I. עמם. p. 766-67, 769

Term and Imagery

עֲלוּקָה (alûqāh) denotes the blood-sucking leech, an aquatic parasite whose relentless appetite made it a vivid symbol of insatiable greed in ancient Near Eastern life. Its physical tenacity—fastening upon its host until gorged—supplies the metaphorical force behind the single biblical reference.

Biblical Occurrence

Proverbs 30:15–16 presents the term in Agur’s numerical proverb of things that are never satisfied:

“The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, ‘Enough!’ the grave, the barren womb, land never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, ‘Enough!’” (Berean Standard Bible).

Cultural and Natural Background

Leeches were familiar in the watering holes and riverbanks of the ancient Levant. Though later employed medicinally, in the Old Testament era they were chiefly viewed as nuisances that drained lifeblood from livestock and travelers. Their behavior supplied a ready image for rapacious creditors, corrupt officials, or any appetite that consumes without restraint.

Wisdom and Moral Instruction

1. Insatiable Desire: By coupling the leech with Sheol, the barren womb, parched land, and unquenchable fire, Proverbs 30 warns that unchecked craving escalates beyond natural limits.
2. Contrast with God’s Sufficiency: Scripture consistently sets insatiable human appetite against the divine promise of contentment (Psalm 23:1; Philippians 4:11-13). The leech therefore calls readers to rest in the Lord rather than in acquisitiveness.
3. Stewardship of Resources: The proverb implicitly condemns exploitation. Just as the leech depletes its host, so greedy practices deplete families, communities, and creation, violating the covenant ethic of love for neighbor (Leviticus 19:18; James 2:8).

Theological Themes

• Human Depravity: The leech illustrates the fallen tendency toward covetousness that only regeneration can curb (Romans 7:18).
• Divine Justice: Scripture promises ultimate reckoning for those who “devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40) like parasitic leeches.
• Contentment and Generosity: The antithesis of the leech is the generous believer who, having freely received grace, freely gives (Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

Historical Reception

Rabbinic commentators linked the leech to oppressive tax-gatherers of foreign powers. Early Christian writers (e.g., Gregory the Great) applied the image to avarice within the clergy, underscoring the perennial danger of spiritual parasitism. Reformation preachers invoked the proverb to critique usury and state corruption, reinforcing Scripture’s social conscience.

Ministry Applications

• Preaching: Use the leech to expose modern forms of greed—consumerism, predatory lending, addictive behaviors—and to herald Christ as the only fountain that satisfies (John 4:14).
• Counseling: Identify “leech-like” patterns (codependency, compulsive spending) and guide counselees toward repentance and disciplined contentment.
• Discipleship: Encourage practices of simplicity and generous giving as practical repudiations of the leech’s cry, “Give and Give.”

Conclusion

Though brief, the image of the עֲלוּקָה pierces the conscience, calling every generation to renounce insatiable desire and to embrace the sufficiency of God’s providence in Christ.

לַֽעֲלוּקָ֨ה ׀ לעלוקה la‘ălūqāh la·‘ă·lū·qāh laaluKahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts