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1 Thessalonians 2:7 |
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But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
Note 10 at 1Th 2:7: Paul likened his care for the Thessalonians to that of a mother tenderly caring for her child.
"Cherish" is a word that means "1. To treat with affection and tenderness; hold dear. 2. To keep fondly in mind" (American Heritage Dictionary). It is used of the husband-wife relationship (Eph 5:28-29), of Abishag the Shunamite "taking care of" King David's needs (1Ki 1:1-4), a mother's tender care of her child (this verse), and a man taking care of his own body (Eph 5:29).
In 1Th 2:11, Paul changed the metaphor of a mother's care to that of a father's care (see note 14 at 1Th 2:11). It was Paul's love as a parent that motivated his care of the Thessalonians. This is in stark contrast to the way many ministers view the people to whom they minister today.
