Meaning
Milk (1.) Hebrew halabh, "new milk", milk in its fresh state (Judg 4:19). It is frequently mentioned in connection with honey (Ex 3:8; 13:5; Josh 5:6; Isa 7:15, 22; Jer 11:5). Sheep (Deut 32:14) and goats (Prov 27:27) and camels (Gen 32:15), as well as cows, are made to give their milk for the use of man. Milk is used figuratively as a sign of abundance (Gen 49:12; Ezek 25:4; Joel 3:18). It is also a symbol of the rudiments of doctrine (1Cor 3:2; Heb 5:12, 13), and of the unadulterated word of God (1Pet 2:2).
(2.) Heb. hem'ah, always rendered "butter" in the Authorized Version. It means "butter," but also more frequently "cream," or perhaps, as some think, "curdled milk," such as that which Abraham set before the angels (Gen 18:8), and which Jael gave to Sisera (Judg 5:25). In this state milk was used by travellers (2Sam 17:29). If kept long enough, it acquired a slightly intoxicating or soporific power.
This Hebrew word is also sometimes used for milk in general (Deut 32:14; Job 20:17).
