Definition and Meaning:
The term "suckleth" is an archaic English word derived from the verb "to suckle," meaning to nurse or to feed a baby or young child with milk from the breast. In biblical contexts, it often refers to the natural and nurturing act of a mother providing sustenance to her infant. This term is used to convey themes of care, provision, and the intimate bond between a mother and her child.

Biblical References:
While the specific term "suckleth" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of nursing and the imagery associated with it are present throughout the Scriptures. The act of suckling is often used metaphorically to describe God's care for His people or to illustrate spiritual truths.

1. Isaiah 49:15 : "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!" This verse uses the imagery of a nursing mother to emphasize God's unwavering commitment and love for His people, suggesting that His care is even more reliable than that of a mother for her child.

2. 1 Peter 2:2 : "Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." Here, the metaphor of nursing is employed to encourage believers to seek spiritual nourishment with the same eagerness as a baby desires milk, highlighting the importance of spiritual growth and sustenance.

3. Psalm 22:9 : "Yet You brought me out of the womb; You made me secure at my mother’s breast." This verse reflects on God's providence and care from the earliest stages of life, using the image of a child being nursed to convey a sense of security and divine provision.

Theological Significance:
The imagery of suckling in the Bible underscores the themes of dependence, nourishment, and growth. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and His people, illustrating how believers are to rely on God for their spiritual sustenance and growth. Just as a child is dependent on its mother for nourishment, so are Christians called to depend on God and His Word for spiritual life and maturity.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of nursing was a vital part of child-rearing and family life. It was a mother's primary responsibility to ensure the health and survival of her children through breastfeeding. This cultural practice is reflected in the biblical text, where the act of suckling is often associated with care, protection, and the continuation of life.

Application for Believers:
The concept of suckling invites believers to reflect on their own spiritual nourishment and growth. It challenges Christians to seek a deeper relationship with God, relying on Him for sustenance and strength. By embracing the nurturing care of God, believers can grow in their faith and become more mature in their spiritual journey.Suckleth (2 Occurrences)

Exodus 2:9
and the daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Take this lad away, and suckle him for me, and I -- I give thy hire;' and the woman taketh the lad, and suckleth him.
(YLT)

1 Samuel 1:23
And Elkanah her husband saith to her, 'Do that which is good in thine eyes; abide till thy weaning him; only, Jehovah establish His word;' and the woman abideth and suckleth her son till she hath weaned him,
(YLT)

Suckleth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Suckleth (2 Occurrences). Exodus 2:9 and the
daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Take this lad away, and ...
/s/suckleth.htm - 7k

Suckling (19 Occurrences)

/s/suckling.htm - 12k

Weaning (1 Occurrence)
... saith to her, 'Do that which is good in thine eyes; abide till thy weaning him;
only, Jehovah establish His word;' and the woman abideth and suckleth her son ...
/w/weaning.htm - 6k

Suckle (5 Occurrences)
... and the daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Take this lad away, and suckle him for
me, and I -- I give thy hire;' and the woman taketh the lad, and suckleth him ...
/s/suckle.htm - 8k

Suckled (2 Occurrences)

/s/suckled.htm - 7k

Lad (66 Occurrences)
... and the daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Take this lad away, and suckle him for
me, and I -- I give thy hire;' and the woman taketh the lad, and suckleth him ...
/l/lad.htm - 27k

Abideth (66 Occurrences)
... saith to her, 'Do that which is good in thine eyes; abide till thy weaning him;
only, Jehovah establish His word;' and the woman abideth and suckleth her son ...
/a/abideth.htm - 24k

Hire (48 Occurrences)
... and the daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Take this lad away, and suckle him for
me, and I -- I give thy hire;' and the woman taketh the lad, and suckleth him ...
/h/hire.htm - 27k

Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... and the daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Take this lad away, and suckle him for
me, and I -- I give thy hire;' and the woman taketh the lad, and suckleth him ...
/t/taketh.htm - 35k

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