Strong's Lexicon thélazó: To nurse, to suckle, to breastfeed Original Word: θηλάζω Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word "thēlē," meaning "nipple" or "breast." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of nursing is יָנַק (yanak), Strong's Hebrew 3243, which also means to suckle or nurse. Usage: The verb "thélazó" primarily refers to the act of nursing or breastfeeding an infant. It is used in the New Testament to describe the natural and nurturing relationship between a mother and her child. This term emphasizes the provision of nourishment and care, highlighting the dependency of the infant on the mother for sustenance. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, breastfeeding was a common and essential practice for the survival and health of infants. Mothers were expected to nurse their children, and wet nurses were employed if the mother was unable to do so. Breastfeeding was seen as a natural and vital part of child-rearing, symbolizing the bond between mother and child and the provision of life-sustaining nourishment. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2337 thēlázō – to nurse (suck milk). See 2338 (thēlys). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom thélé (a nipple) Definition to suckle NASB Translation nursed (1), nursing babies (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2337: θηλάζωθηλάζω; 1 aorist ἐθήλασα; (θηλή a breast (cf. Peile, Etym., p. 124f)); 1. transitive, to give the breast, give suck, to suckle: Matthew 24:19; Mark 13:17; Luke 21:23 (Lysias, Aristotle, others; the Sept. for הֵינִיק); μαστοί ἐθήλασαν, Luke 23:29 R G. 2. intransitive, to suck: Matthew 21:16 (Aristotle, Plato, Lucian, others; the Sept. for יָנַק); μαστούς, Luke 11:27; Job 3:12; Song of Solomon 8:1; Joel 2:16; Theocritus, 3:16. From thele (the nipple); to suckle, (by implication) to suck -- (give) suck(-ling). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 21:16 V-PPA-GMPGRK: νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων κατηρτίσω αἶνον NAS: OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED KJV: and sucklings thou hast perfected INT: of little children and infants you have ordained praise Matthew 24:19 V-PPA-DFP Mark 13:17 V-PPA-DFP Luke 11:27 V-AIA-2S Luke 21:23 V-PPA-DFP Strong's Greek 2337 |
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