1 Thessalonians 2:7

KJV

¶ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} we were {G1096} gentle {G2261} among {G1722}{G3319} you {G5216}, even as {G5613} a nurse {G5162} cherisheth {G302}{G2282} her {G1438} children {G5043}:

Complete Jewish Bible

As emissaries of the Messiah, we could have made our weight felt; but instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother feeding and caring for her children.

Berean Standard Bible

On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

American Standard Version

But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, the Apostle Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, articulates the tender and selfless character of their ministry to the nascent church in Thessalonica. He deliberately contrasts their gentle, nurturing approach with the manipulative tactics of false teachers, likening their care to that of a devoted nurse or mother who cherishes her own children. This verse powerfully encapsulates the essence of authentic, compassionate spiritual leadership, emphasizing intimate care, sacrificial love, and a profound commitment to the spiritual well-being of the believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul’s defense of his apostolic integrity and the purity of his motives, which spans from [1 Thessalonians 2:1](/1_thessalonians/2-1 "1 Thessalonians 2:1 - Paul's Integrity in Ministry") to [1 Thessalonians 2:12](/1_thessalonians/2-12 "1 Thessalonians 2:12 - Paul's Exhortation to Walk Worthily"). Having just asserted that their preaching was "not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile" ([1 Thessalonians 2:3](/1_thessalonians/2-3 "1 Thessalonians 2:3 - Paul's Pure Motives")), Paul continues to elaborate on the genuine nature of their relationship with the Thessalonians. He contrasts his team's gentle disposition with the self-serving ambitions of others who might seek honor or financial gain. The imagery of a "nurse cherishing her children" sets the stage for the even deeper parental metaphor of a father exhorting his children in [1 Thessalonians 2:11-12](/1_thessalonians/2-11-12 "1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - Paul as a Spiritual Father"), demonstrating a holistic, parental model of spiritual care.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Thessalonica was a bustling Roman port city, a melting pot of various cultures and religions, including Roman, Greek, and Jewish influences. The early Christian community there, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, was relatively new and vulnerable, facing external persecution and internal challenges. In this environment, itinerant philosophers and religious teachers often traveled, some seeking personal gain, status, or financial profit through eloquent speeches and manipulative tactics. Paul's emphatic declaration of their gentle and selfless conduct directly counters such prevalent practices, distinguishing true apostolic ministry from the charlatanry common in the Greco-Roman world. His use of the "nurse" analogy would have resonated deeply in a society where child-rearing and familial bonds were central, highlighting the intimate and sacrificial nature of their commitment.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Authentic Apostolic Ministry**, contrasting genuine, selfless service with mercenary or manipulative leadership. It highlights **Gentle Pastoral Care**, illustrating that spiritual authority is best exercised through tender nurturing rather than harsh domination, mirroring the shepherd-like care described in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd"). Furthermore, it develops the theme of **Spiritual Parenthood**, portraying Paul and his companions as nurturing figures responsible for the spiritual growth and well-being of the believers, a concept also seen in [1 Corinthians 4:15](/1_corinthians/4-15 "1 Corinthians 4:15 - Paul as a Spiritual Father"). This parental imagery emphasizes the deep, personal, and sacrificial love that should characterize the relationship between spiritual leaders and their flock.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gentle (Greek, _ḗpios'_):** From G2261, meaning "affable, i.e. mild or kind." Paul's choice of this word emphasizes a deliberate disposition of tenderness, patience, and approachability. It stands in stark contrast to harshness, severity, or a demanding demeanor. This gentleness was not weakness but a conscious choice to relate to the new believers with warmth and understanding, fostering an environment of trust and receptivity.
* **nurse (Greek, _trophós'_):** From G5162, meaning "a nourisher, i.e. nurse." This term typically referred to a wet nurse or a nurturing mother figure who provides essential sustenance and care for infants. The imagery evokes a deeply intimate, protective, and life-sustaining role. It suggests that Paul and his companions provided not just spiritual food, but also comfort, warmth, and constant vigilance, akin to a mother's watchful care over her vulnerable child.
* **cherisheth (Greek, _thálpō'_):** From G2282, meaning "to brood, i.e. (figuratively) to foster." This verb conveys a sense of tender, affectionate care, often used for a bird warming its young or a mother holding her infant close. It implies providing warmth, comfort, and protection, fostering growth and well-being through intimate attention. This word highlights the active, loving, and protective nature of their ministry, going beyond mere teaching to encompass holistic, emotional, and spiritual nurturing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we were gentle among you":** This clause introduces a strong contrast ("But," G235, _allá_) to the previous discussion of Paul's pure motives and the absence of deceit or flattery. It asserts the positive quality of their conduct, describing their disposition as mild, kind, and approachable. The phrase "among you" (G1722, _en_ G3319, _mésos_ G5216, _hymōn_) signifies their presence and interaction within the community, indicating that this gentleness was not merely an internal attitude but an observable characteristic of their public and private ministry to the Thessalonians.
* **"even as a nurse cherisheth her children":** This phrase serves as a powerful simile, illustrating the nature of their gentleness. The comparison to a "nurse" (G5162, _trophós_) immediately brings to mind images of intimate, selfless, and life-giving care. The verb "cherisheth" (G2282, _thálpō_) further intensifies this image, depicting a tender, protective, and fostering love, akin to a mother's warmth and devotion to her own "children" (G5043, _téknon_ G1438, _heautoû_). This vivid analogy underscores the depth of Paul's affection and the sacrificial, nurturing quality of their apostolic service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is a **Simile**, explicitly marked by the phrase "even as." Paul compares his team's gentle conduct to the specific, tender care of a nurse for her children. This vivid comparison allows the readers to grasp the profound depth of their affection and the quality of their ministry through a universally understood image of nurturing love. Beyond a simple simile, the verse functions as a powerful **Analogy** or **Metaphor** for spiritual parenting. Paul is not merely saying they were *like* a nurse; he is implicitly casting himself and his companions in the role of spiritual caregivers who provide sustenance, comfort, and protection to the nascent believers, much like parents do for their offspring. This imagery effectively conveys the intimate, sacrificial, and life-giving nature of true spiritual leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound imagery of a nurturing nurse in 1 Thessalonians 2:7 establishes a foundational principle for Christian leadership and community: that genuine spiritual authority is exercised through tender, selfless love rather than coercive power. This verse counters any notion of harsh, domineering leadership, advocating instead for a ministry characterized by vulnerability, patience, and deep personal investment in the spiritual well-being of others. It highlights that the goal of ministry is not control or personal gain, but the fostering of spiritual life and growth, mirroring God's own patient and nurturing care for His people.

* [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - The Shepherd's Gentle Care"): "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
* [Galatians 4:19](/galatians/4-19 "Galatians 4:19 - Paul's Travail for the Galatians"): "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you."
* [1 Corinthians 3:2](/1_corinthians/3-2 "1 Corinthians 3:2 - Milk for Infants"): "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Thessalonians 2:7 presents a timeless and challenging model for every believer, especially those in positions of spiritual influence. It calls us to examine the quality of our relationships and service, urging us to prioritize genuine, self-giving love over personal ambition or rigid adherence to rules. Just as a nurse adapts her care to the needs of a vulnerable child, we are called to be flexible, patient, and deeply empathetic in our interactions, providing comfort, encouragement, and sustenance tailored to the specific spiritual and emotional needs of those around us. This verse reminds us that the most impactful ministry flows from a heart saturated with the gentle love of Christ, fostering an environment where spiritual growth can flourish in warmth and security. It encourages us to cultivate a church culture defined by mutual care, where every member feels cherished and supported in their walk with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more gentle and nurturing approach in my interactions with others, especially those who are spiritually young or struggling?**
* **How does Paul's example challenge my own motivations for serving or leading in the church or in my daily life? Am I seeking to cherish others, or something else?**
* **What specific actions can I take to provide "warmth, comfort, and sustenance" to someone in my community, mirroring the care of a nurse for her children?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by comparing himself to a "nurse" in this context?**

Answer: By comparing himself and his companions to a "nurse" (_trophós_), Paul is conveying the intensely intimate, selfless, and nurturing nature of their ministry. In the ancient world, a nurse, often a wet nurse, provided essential, life-sustaining care, warmth, and constant attention to vulnerable infants. This imagery emphasizes that Paul's team did not approach the Thessalonians with a demanding or authoritative posture, but with tender affection, patience, and a deep, personal investment in their spiritual well-being, much like a mother cares for her own children. It highlights their protective, fostering role in the spiritual infancy of the Thessalonian church, contrasting sharply with the self-serving motives of other teachers (as he discusses in [1 Thessalonians 2:5-6](/1_thessalonians/2-5-6 "1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 - Paul's Rejection of Flattery and Greed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Thessalonians 2:7, with its portrayal of gentle, nurturing leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Paul's gentle care for the Thessalonians is a reflection of the divine tenderness of the Good Shepherd, who "gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart" ([Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - The Shepherd's Gentle Care")). Jesus consistently demonstrated a compassionate and nurturing approach to His disciples and to the crowds, never breaking a "bruised reed" or quenching a "smoldering wick" ([Matthew 12:20](/matthew/12-20 "Matthew 12:20 - Jesus' Gentle Nature")). He is the one who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), embodying the ultimate self-sacrifice and tender care that Paul emulates. Christ's entire earthly ministry, from His patient teaching to His healing touch and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, exemplifies the cherishing love of a divine "nurse" who nurtures His children unto eternal life, providing spiritual nourishment and comfort for all who come to Him ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 2:11

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

Isaiah 66:13

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.