Hymn written by Reverend F. W. Faber in the 19th century.

Anciently a position of honour; so Deborah ("seen"), Genesis 24:59; Genesis 35:8; Ruth 4:16. (See DEBORAH.) Figuratively; Moses was "as a nursing father bearing the sucking child" (Numbers 11:12). So Isaiah 49:23. So Paul, "we were gentle" (so the Alexandrinus manuscript and the Ephraemi Rescriptus (C), epioi , but the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus 'infants,' neepioi ) among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her own (Greek) children" (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

1. Woman who breast-feeds an infant (Genesis 21:7 ; Exodus 2:7 ; 1 Samuel 1:23 ). In Old Testament times children were often nursed as long as three years (1 Samuel 1:22-24 ). Weaning was often a time of celebration (Genesis 21:8 ). Generally, a mother nursed her own child; though sometimes a wet nurse was employed (Exodus 2:7 ). A nurse might continue as an honored family member after the child was grown (Genesis 24:59 ; Genesis 35:8 ). Paul likened the gentleness of his missionary approach to a mother nursing her children (1 Thessalonians 2:7 ). 2 . Woman who cares for a child such as a governess or nanny (Ruth 4:16 ; 2 Samuel 4:4 ). 3 . One who cares for the sick (1Kings 1:2,1 Kings 1:4 NAS, RSV).

NURSE, n. 1. A woman that has the care of infants, or a woman employed to tend the children of others. 2. A woman who suckles infants. 3. A woman that has the care of a sick person. 4. A man who has the care of the sick. 5. A person that breeds, educates or protects hence, that which breeds, brings up or causes to grow as Greece, the nurse of the liberal arts. 6. An old woman in contempt. 7. The state of being nursed as, to put a child to nurse. 8. In composition, that which supplies food as a nurse-pond. NURSE, 1. To tend, as infants as, to nurse a child. 2. To suckle to nourish at the breast. 3. To attend and take care of in child-bed as, to nurse a woman in her illness. 4. To tend the sick applied to males and females. 5. To ffed to maintain to bring up. Isaiah 60 . 6. To cherish to foster to encourage to promote growth in. We say, to nurse a feeble animal or plant. By what hands has vice been nursed into so uncontrolled a dominion? 7. To manage with care and economy, with a view to increase as, to nurse our national resources.

A nurse who attends and feeds a child by hand; - in distinction from a wet nurse, who suckles it.

Such in O.T. times were held in esteem, as was Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, Genesis 35:8 . Twice the expression, 'nursing fathers,' occurs, and queens are to be 'nursing mothers' to Israel in the future. Numbers 11:12 ; Isaiah 49:23 . Paul said, "We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." 1 Thessalonians 2:7 .

A nurse who suckles a child, especially the child of another woman. Cf. Dry nurse.

1: τροφός (Strong's #5162 — Noun Feminine — trophos — trof-os' ) translated "nurse" in 1 Thessalonians 2:7 , there denotes a "nursing" mother, as is clear from the statement "cherisheth her own children;" this is also confirmed by the word epios, "gentle" (in the same verse), which was commonly used of the kindness of parents towards children. Cp. trepho, "to bring up" (see NOURISH).

The Bible contains various allusions to the tender and confidential relation anciently subsisting between a nurse and the children she had brought up, Isaiah 49:22,23 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8 . See also the story of Rebekah, attended through life by her faithful and honored Deborah, the oak under which she was buried being called "The oak of weeping," Genesis 24:59 35:8 . The custom still prevails in the better families of Syria and India. Says Roberts in his Oriental Illustrations, "how often have scenes like this led my mind to the patriarchal age. The daughter is about for the first time to leave the paternal roof; the servants are all in confusion; each refers to things long gone by, each wishes to do something to attract the attention of his young mistress. One says, Ah do not forget him who nursed you when an infant;' another, How often did I bring you the beautiful lotus from the distant tank. Did I not always conceal your faults?' Then the mother comes to take leave. She weeps and tenderly embraces her, saying, My daughter, I shall see you no more; forget not your mother.' The brother enfolds his sister in his arms, and promises soon to come and see her. The father is absorbed in thought, and is only aroused by the sobs of the party. He then affectionately embraces his daughter, and tells her not to fear. The female domestics must each smell of the poor girl, and the men touch her feet. As Rebekah had her nurse to accompany her, so, at this day, the aya (nurse) who has from infancy brought up the bride goes with her to the new scene. She is her adviser, her assistant and friend, and to her will she tell all her hopes and all her fears."