The verb זָקֵן (root: ז־ק־ן) is a stative verb in Biblical Hebrew meaning “to grow old” or “to become aged.” It reflects a process of aging or maturing and is closely related to the noun זָקֵן (“old man” or “elder”). This verb typically appears in the Qal binyan and conveys a passive or intransitive process rather than active action.
Though less frequent than some other verbs, זָקֵן carries significant theological and narrative weight in Scripture. The concept of aging is often tied to wisdom, honor, and divine favor.
Qal Conjugation of זָקֵן (“to grow old”)
Past Tense (Perfect)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | זָקַנְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | זָקַנְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | זָקַנְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | זָקֵן |
| 3rd person feminine singular | זָקְנָה |
| 1st person plural | זָקַנּוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | זְקַנְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | זְקַנְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | זָקְנוּ |
Present Tense (Participle)
| Gender / Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | זֹקֵן |
| Feminine singular | זֹקֶנֶת |
| Masculine plural | זֹקְנִים |
| Feminine plural | זֹקְנוֹת |
Future Tense (Imperfect)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶזְקֵן |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּזְקֵן |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּזְקְנִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִזְקֵן |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּזְקֵן |
| 1st person plural | נִזְקֵן |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּזְקְנוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּזְקֵנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִזְקְנוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | זְקֵן |
| 2nd person feminine singular | זִקְנִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | זִקְנוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | זְקֵנָה |
Usage in the Hebrew Bible
The verb זָקֵן is found in verses like:
- Genesis 18:11 – וְאַבְרָהָם וְשָׂרָה זְקֵנִים
“And Avraham and Sarah were old…” – describing natural aging. - Joshua 13:1 – אַתָּה זָקַנְתָּה בָּאָה בַיָּמִים
“You are old and advanced in days…” – a divine recognition of age and time.
Summary
The verb זָקֵן encapsulates more than biological aging—it reflects divine timing, life stages, and the honor of age in the biblical worldview. Used in narrative and wisdom literature, it contributes to themes of legacy, memory, and transition. Though a stative verb, its impact is dynamic, symbolizing ripeness of character and closeness to blessing or rest.
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