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Nurse

Summary

Nurses in Scripture were women who suckled and cared for children, often holding honored positions within households.

Role and Examples

The nurse in Scripture was typically a woman who suckled a child and often remained attached to the household as a trusted servant. Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, is one of the earliest examples, and was so beloved that her death was recorded and she was buried with honor beneath an oak called 'the oak of weeping.' Moses' mother served as his nurse after Pharaoh's daughter found him.

Key verses:Genesis 24:59Genesis 35:8Exodus 2:7-92 Kings 11:2

Figurative Uses

The term 'nurse' is also used figuratively in Scripture. Paul describes himself as gentle among the Thessalonians 'as a nurse cherisheth her children.' Isaiah prophesies that kings and queens will be nursing fathers and mothers to Israel.

Key verses:1 Thessalonians 2:7Isaiah 49:23

Related Verses10 mentions

Genesis· 2 verses

Exodus· 2 verses

Ruth· 1 verse

2 Kings· 1 verse

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Nurse," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).