Topical Encyclopedia The term "weaneth" is an archaic form of the verb "wean," which refers to the process of gradually introducing an infant or young child to a diet independent of its mother's milk. In biblical times, weaning was a significant milestone in a child's early life, often marked by celebration and thanksgiving. The concept of weaning is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, reflecting its cultural and spiritual significance.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 21:8 : "The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned." This passage highlights the importance of weaning in the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. The celebration of Isaac's weaning signifies a transition from infancy to a more independent stage of childhood, underscoring the joy and gratitude of the parents for God's provision and care. 2. 1 Samuel 1:22-24 : "But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, 'After the boy is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and stay there permanently.' 'Do what seems best to you,' her husband Elkanah replied, 'and 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. When she had weaned him, she took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh, though the boy was still young." In this account, Hannah's dedication of her son Samuel to the Lord's service is closely linked to the weaning process. The act of weaning Samuel marks the fulfillment of Hannah's vow to God, demonstrating her faithfulness and commitment to the Lord. 3. Psalm 131:2 : "Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me." This verse uses the imagery of a weaned child to convey a sense of peace and contentment. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, expresses a deep trust and reliance on God, akin to the calmness of a child who has been weaned and rests securely with its mother. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: In ancient Israelite culture, the weaning of a child was not only a practical necessity but also held spiritual implications. It was a time when parents acknowledged God's provision and protection over the child's early years. The celebration of weaning, as seen in the case of Isaac, was an opportunity to express gratitude and to seek God's continued blessing on the child's life. Theologically, the imagery of weaning is used to illustrate spiritual maturity and trust in God. Just as a weaned child no longer depends on its mother's milk, believers are called to grow in their faith, moving beyond spiritual infancy to a deeper, more mature relationship with God. This process involves learning to rely on God's word and His promises, finding peace and contentment in His presence. In summary, the concept of "weaneth" in the Bible serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and maturity, as well as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and trust in God's provision. Concordance Weaneth (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 11:20 Hosea 1:8 Thesaurus Weaneth (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Weaneth (2 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Hosea 1:8 And she weaneth Lo-Ruhamah, and conceiveth, and beareth a son; (YLT). ... /w/weaneth.htm - 6k Weaned (9 Occurrences) Weaning (1 Occurrence) Conceiveth (27 Occurrences) Beareth (108 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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