Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Nursing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of feeding and caring for infants and young children, typically by a mother or a designated caregiver. This practice is deeply rooted in the nurturing and sustenance of life, reflecting the care and provision that God extends to His people. Biblical References The Bible contains several references to nursing, illustrating its importance in the family and community life of ancient Israel. Nursing is often associated with maternal care and the bond between mother and child. In Genesis 21:7, Sarah expresses amazement at nursing a child in her old age: "Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age." This highlights the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. The account of Moses also includes a significant reference to nursing. In Exodus 2:7-9, Moses' sister suggests to Pharaoh's daughter that a Hebrew woman could nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agrees, and Moses' own mother is brought to nurse him: "Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, 'Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.' So the woman took the child and nursed him." This account underscores God's providence and care for Moses from infancy. In 1 Samuel 1:23, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is depicted as nursing her son until he is weaned: "Do what seems best to you," her husband Elkanah told her. "Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word." So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. This passage reflects the dedication and commitment of a mother to her child's early development. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications Nursing is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe God's nurturing care for His people. In Isaiah 49:15, God compares His compassion to that of a nursing mother: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!" This powerful imagery emphasizes God's unwavering love and remembrance of His covenant people. The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of nursing to describe his gentle care for the Thessalonian church. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, he writes, "Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children." This analogy highlights the tender and nurturing approach Paul took in his ministry, reflecting the selfless love and care expected of spiritual leaders. Cultural and Historical Insights In ancient Near Eastern cultures, nursing was a vital part of child-rearing, often extending for several years. The weaning process marked a significant milestone in a child's life and was sometimes celebrated with a feast, as seen in Genesis 21:8: "The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned." Wet nurses were also employed in some cases, as seen in the account of Moses. This practice allowed for the continuation of nursing when the biological mother was unavailable or unable to nurse. Theological Reflections Nursing, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound expression of God's design for family and community. It reflects the intimate bond between mother and child and serves as a metaphor for divine care and provision. The nurturing aspect of nursing aligns with the biblical themes of love, sacrifice, and the sustenance of life, pointing to the greater spiritual truths of God's relationship with His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Nurse.2. (a.) Supplying or taking nourishment from, or as from, the breast; as, a nursing mother; a nursing infant. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NURSE; NURSINGnurs, nurs'-ing: "Nurse" in the King James Version represents two different Hebrew words: In 8 passages (Genesis 24:59; Genesis 35:8 Exodus 2:7, 9 2 Kings 11:2 2 Chronicles 22:11 Isaiah 49:23) the word-noun or verb-renders some form of the verb yanaq, "to suck." The feminine causative part. of this verb is commonly used to denote nurse or foster-mother. According to Exodus 2:7 Moses' mother-"a nurse of the Hebrew women"-became, at Pharaoh's daughter's request, the foster-mother of the foundling. Joash, the son of Ahaziah, was in charge of a nurse until he was 7 years old (2 Kings 11:2 2 Chronicles 22:11). But it is obvious that the term was used in a more general way, e.g. of a lady's maid or tire-woman. Rebekah was accompanied by her nurse when she left home to be married (Genesis 24:59; Genesis 35:8). In 5 passages (Numbers 11:12 Ruth 4:16 2 Samuel 4:4 Isaiah 49:23; Isaiah 60:4 the King James Version) "nurse" represents the Hebrew word, 'aman, "to support," "be faithful," "nourish." The participle of this verb denoted a person who had charge of young children-a guardian or governess. Naomi took charge of Ruth's child "and became nurse unto it" (Ruth 4:16). In Numbers 11:12 Moses asks whether he has to take charge of the Israelites "as a nursing-father carrieth the sucking child." The same word is found in 2 Kings 10:15 (the King James Version "them that brought up," i.e. "guardians of the sons of Ahab) and in Esther 2:7 (the King James Version "and he brought up," i.e. he (Mordecai) adopted, his niece). Deutero-Isaiah uses both terms together (Isaiah 49:23) to describe the exalted position of Israel in the future when foreign kings and queens will offer their services and wait upon the chosen people. Greek 2337. thelazo -- to suckle ... See 2338 (). Word Origin from thele (a nipple) Definition to suckle NASB Word Usage nursed (1), nursing babies (4). to suckle, suck. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2337.htm - 6k 5162. trophos -- a nurse 2338. thelus -- female Strong's Hebrew 3243. yanaq -- to suck... root Definition to suck NASB Word Usage draw (1), infant (3), infants (2), milking (1), nurse (11), nursed (3), nurses (1), nursing (1), nursing babes (1 ... /hebrew/3243.htm - 6k 5763. ul -- to nurse, give suck 5764. ul -- a sucking child, suckling 7699a. shad -- (female) breast 2949. tippuchim -- tenderly cared for Library The Little Ones and their Angels. The Fifth Commandment Home as a Nursery. The Genesis Picture. Millenarians. Home as a Stewardship. A Bottle in the Smoke The Church and Other Rural Agencies Letter vii. You are Now, My Dear Friend, in Possession of My Whole ... Of Civil Government. Thesaurus Nursing (14 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Nurse. 2. (a.) Supplying or taking nourishment from, or as from, the breast; as, a nursing mother; a nursing infant. Int. ... NURSE; NURSING. ... /n/nursing.htm - 13k Nursing-mothers (1 Occurrence) Nursing-fathers (1 Occurrence) Nursing-father (2 Occurrences) Mothers (27 Occurrences) Nurse (23 Occurrences) Queens (4 Occurrences) Nurses (2 Occurrences) Lick (8 Occurrences) Foster-fathers (1 Occurrence) Resources Is it wrong for a Christian family to put a loved one into a nursing home? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about caring for our old parents? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong for a Christian family to use hospice? | GotQuestions.org Nursing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Nursing (14 Occurrences)Matthew 21:16 Matthew 24:19 Mark 13:17 Luke 21:23 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Genesis 33:13 Numbers 11:12 1 Samuel 22:19 Psalms 8:2 Isaiah 11:8 Isaiah 40:11 Isaiah 49:15 Isaiah 49:23 Joel 2:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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