Quick Definition
a nurse
Strong's Definition
a nourisher, i.e. nurse
Derivation: from G5142 (τρέφω);
KJV Usage: nurse
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
τροφός, τροφου, ἡ (τρέφω; see τροφή), a nurse: 1Th_2:7. (From Homer down; for ξΕιπΖχΖϊ, Gen_35:8; 2Ki_11:2; Isa_49:23.)
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
τροφός trophos 1x
a nurse, 1Th_2:7
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
τροφός , -οῦ , ἡ
( < τρέφω ),
[in LXX : Gen_35:8 , 2Ki_11:2 , 2Ch_22:11 Isa_49:23 ( H3243 ) * ;]
a nurse: 1Th_2:7 .†
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
τροφός [page 643]
For ή τροφός , which Paul uses with such effect in 1Th_2:7 (cf. LXX Gen_35:8 , al .), note P Lond 951 verso .4 (late iii/A.D.) (= III. p. 213) where, with reference to a newly arrived infant the father-in-law or mother-in-law decrees τ ]ὸ βρέφος ἐχέτω τροφόν· ἐγὼ γὰρ οὐκ ἐπ̣ιτ [ρέ ]πω τῇ θυγατρί μου θηλάζειν . Cf. P Flor II. 179 .2 (A.D. 263) Ἡραΐδι γενομένῃ τροφῷ ἀπόλυσον οἴνου δίχωρα δύο , and from the inscrr. BCH xvii(1894), p. 145 (B.C. 240).
In Kaibel 247 .7 (i/ii A.D. ) τροφός = μήτηρ , but in Pelagia-Legenden p. 23 .18 ἡ δὲ Πελαγία κάτω κύψασα ἐχωρίσθη τῆς ἑαυτοῦ τροφοῦ , the meaning must be simply nurse from the contrasted μήτηρ in the next line.
For a good ex. of a συγγραφὴ τροφῖτις or a contract entered into with the nurse (cf. Archiv i. p. 123) to supply her with the necessary τροφεῖα , see BGU IV. 1106 and the documents which follow : also P Oxy I. 37 i. 10 (A.D. 49) (= Selections , p. 49) ἐγένετο ἐνθάδε ἡ τροφεῖτις εἰς . υἱὸν (cf. Act_7:21 , Heb_1:5 ) τοῦ Πεσούριος . τοῦ πρώτου ἐνιαυτοῦ ἀπέλαβεν τὰ τροφεῖα .
The Hellenistic τροφέω , which Phrynichus (ed. Lobeck, p. 589) views with such suspicion, is found in BGU III. 859 .4 (ii/A.D,) ἐ ]τρόφησεν καὶ ἐτιθήνησεν ἡ τοῦ Ἀμμωνίου δούλη Δημητροῦς , and 22 (cf. Radermacher Gr . p. 84 f.).
Liddell-Scott — Intermediate Greek Lexicon
τροφός τροφός, [Etym: τρέφω] "a feeder, rearer, nurse", Od. , Hdt. , attic: metaph., of a city, Pind. , Aesch.
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
τροφός, -oῦ, ἡ
(τρέφω), [in LXX: Gen.35:8, 4Ki.11:2, 2Ch.22:11 Isa.49:23 (יָנַק) * ;]
a nurse: 1Th.2:7.†
(AS)
📖 In-Depth Word Study
Nursing (5162) trophos
Nursing mother (5162) (trophos from trepho = to nourish, feed, nurture) is one who nourishes, feeds and rears up a child. A nourisher, feeder, rearer. This word means any woman who breast-feeds (nurses) a baby. It could therefore refer also to what used to be called a wet nurse. A wet nurse in the ancient world not only had strict contractual stipulation, but often came to be a very trusted person whose influence lasted a lifetime. Even secular philosophers in Paul's day used the nurse metaphor to suggest how one ought to care for those being taught.
Criswell writes that...
Paul uses the imagery of the nursery at feeding time. Paul didn't feed on them; he fed them. The Greek word trophos (meaning "nursing mother") is a tender and vivid picture of Paul's heart for the church. It should move the Thessalonians to hold him in high regard so that his influence might continue throughout the lifetime of his spiritual children. The word "cherishes" further emphasizes the nursing mother's activity as well as her attitude. (Criswell, W A. Believer's Study Bible: New King James Version. 1991. Thomas Nelson)
Paul used the maternal metaphor in writing to the Galatians...
My children with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you. (Galatians 4:19)
Later in Thessalonians Paul uses a related metaphor writing...
While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1Th 5:3-note)
MacArthur notes that...
As the phrase her own children indicates, Paul was no paid surrogate mother or modern-style, hired day care worker. The apostle exhibited the same feelings as a nursing mother when he cared for the Thessalonians’ spiritual needs. This picture is usually foreign to all leaders outside the true church of Jesus Christ. In fact, for most, it would appear to be sentimental, weak, and unproductive. The standard for worldly leadership is to accomplish the leader’s desires through people. In the church, pastors have the privilege of seeing things God desires done in people. That changes the dynamic. As good parents are concerned about their children’s hearts, so are good pastors. The preceding metaphors make that clear. (MacArthur, John: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Moody Press or Logos)
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