Bible Dictionaries

Holman Bible Dictionary

Nurse

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).