Lexical Summary trophos: Nurse, Nourisher Original Word: τροφός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nurse. From trepho; a nourisher, i.e. Nurse -- nurse. see GREEK trepho HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5162 trophós (from 5142 /tréphō, "to improve by giving nurture and care") – properly, a care-giver, sustaining someone by nourishing and giving tender care like a nurse (used only in 1 Thes 2:7). [5162 (trophós) is used in ancient Greek of a mother's tender care, holding her child in her arms (see BAGD).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom trephó Definition a nurse NASB Translation nursing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5162: τροφόςτροφός, τροφου, ἡ (τρέφω; see τροφή), a nurse: 1 Thessalonians 2:7. (From Homer down; for מֵינֶקֶת, Genesis 35:8; 2 Kings 11:2; Isaiah 49:23.) Topical Lexicon Literary Context in 1 Thessalonians Paul describes his ministry team as “gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). The image shifts the focus from authority to affectionate self-giving. The apostle deliberately grounds his evangelistic work in tenderness, contrasting the self-serving motives of itinerant teachers (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) with the costly, life-imparting care of a mother who provides both nourishment and protection. Imagery of Nourishment in Scripture 1. Maternal care is a long-standing biblical metaphor for God’s dealings with His people. “Can a woman forget her nursing child…? Even if she could, I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). Such passages illuminate trophos as a living picture of divine provision: God not only delivers but also nurtures and matures His covenant family. Historical Background of Wet Nursing in the Ancient World In Greco-Roman society a trophos could be a biological mother or a hired wet nurse, often enjoying deep household influence. Literature and inscriptions portray these women as trusted caregivers who shaped a child’s earliest moral formation. Paul’s audience, familiar with that social institution, would immediately grasp the costly, round-the-clock devotion implied by the term. By adopting the figure, Paul dignifies an occupation sometimes held by slaves and casts apostolic ministry in humble, servant-oriented terms. Ministerial Applications: Shepherding in Gentle Care • Pastors and missionaries are called not merely to transfer information but to “share… our own lives” (1 Thessalonians 2:8), as a nurse shares her very body to sustain life. Christological and Trinitarian Dimensions While Scripture never calls the Son or the Spirit a trophos explicitly, the nursing image harmonizes with Christ’s self-sacrifice (“This is My body, which is for you” — 1 Corinthians 11:24) and the Spirit’s ongoing sanctifying work (“like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk” — 1 Peter 2:2). The triune God not only justifies but also continuously sustains believers, echoing the tender ministry depicted by Paul. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Evangelism must be coupled with long-term nurturing; converts are spiritual infants needing steady nourishment (Hebrews 5:12-14). Summary Strong’s 5162 highlights a single but profound apostolic self-portrait: ministry patterned after a nursing mother. The term gathers rich biblical, historical, and theological threads into a model of leadership characterized by gentleness, self-emptying love, and life-sustaining instruction—a timeless call to the church’s servants in every generation. Forms and Transliterations ετροφοφόρησε τροφήν τροφοί τροφος τροφός τροφὸς τροφοφορήσαι trophos trophòsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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