1 Thessalonians 2:7
New International Version
Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,

New Living Translation
As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

English Standard Version
But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.

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

Berean Literal Bible
But we were gentle in your midst, as a nursing mother would cherish her own children.

King James Bible
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

New King James Version
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

New American Standard Bible
But we proved to be gentle among you. As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children,

NASB 1995
But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.

NASB 1977
But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.

Legacy Standard Bible
But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.

Amplified Bible
But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children.

Christian Standard Bible
Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children.

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

Contemporary English Version
But as apostles, we could have demanded help from you. After all, Christ is the one who sent us. We chose to be like children or like a mother nursing her baby.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
although as apostles of Christ we had the right to do this. Instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.

Good News Translation
even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you. But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.

International Standard Version
even though as apostles of the Messiah we might have made such demands. Instead, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother tenderly caring for her own children.

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

NET Bible
although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children,

New Heart English Bible
But we were like little children among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

Webster's Bible Translation
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, in our relations to you we showed ourselves as gentle as a mother is when she tenderly nurses her own children.

World English Bible
But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But we became gentle in your midst, as a nurse may nurture her own children,

Berean Literal Bible
But we were gentle in your midst, as a nursing mother would cherish her own children.

Young's Literal Translation
But we became gentle in your midst, as a nurse may cherish her own children,

Smith's Literal Translation
But we were gentle in the midst of you, as a nurse should cherish her children:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the apostles of Christ: but we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And although we could have been a burden to you, as Apostles of Christ, instead we became like little ones in your midst, like a nurse cherishing her children.

New American Bible
although we were able to impose our weight as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.

New Revised Standard Version
though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But we were meek when we were among you, and like a foster mother who loves her children:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we were meek among you, even as a nursemaid who cherishes her children.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But we were gentle among you. As a nurse nourishes her children,

Godbey New Testament
but we were gentle in the midst of you, as if a nurse may cherish her children;

Haweis New Testament
But we were gentle in the midst of you, as a nurse cherisheth her own infants.

Mace New Testament
we behav'd to you with a tender regard, even as a mother, who nurses her own children.

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, in our relations to you we showed ourselves as gentle as a mother is when she tenderly nurses her own children.

Worrell New Testament
But we became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherishes her own children:

Worsley New Testament
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Ministry
6Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. 7On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. 8We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

2 Corinthians 10:1
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Philippians 2:7
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

John 13:14-15
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.

Galatians 4:19
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

Ephesians 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

2 Timothy 2:24
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Psalm 23:1-2
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Ezekiel 34:15
I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 66:13
As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.”

Hosea 11:4
I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.


Treasury of Scripture

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

we.

Genesis 33:13,14
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die…

Isaiah 40:11
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.

Ezekiel 34:14-16
I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel…

as.

1 Thessalonians 2:11
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

Numbers 11:12
Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

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.

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Care Cares Caring Cherish Cherishes Cherisheth Children Contrary Gentle Little Midst Mother Nurse Nurses Nursing Ones Ourselves Proved Relations Showed Tenderly
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Care Cares Caring Cherish Cherishes Cherisheth Children Contrary Gentle Little Midst Mother Nurse Nurses Nursing Ones Ourselves Proved Relations Showed Tenderly
1 Thessalonians 2
1. In what manner the gospel was brought and preached to the Thessalonians.
18. A reason is rendered both why Paul was so long absent from them, and also so desirous to see them.














On the contrary
This phrase indicates a contrast to the previous verses where Paul defends his ministry against accusations of deceit or impure motives. The apostle emphasizes a different approach, highlighting the sincerity and purity of his actions. This contrast is essential in understanding the nature of true Christian leadership, which is not self-serving but self-giving.

we were gentle among you
Paul's gentleness is a reflection of Christ's own demeanor, as seen in Matthew 11:29, where Jesus describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart." This gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is crucial in pastoral care. The Thessalonian church, being a young congregation, required nurturing and patience, much like new believers today.

like a nursing mother
The imagery of a nursing mother is powerful, conveying deep care, intimacy, and selflessness. In the ancient world, a mother's role was vital for the survival and well-being of her children. This metaphor underscores the apostolic commitment to the spiritual nourishment and growth of the Thessalonian believers. It also reflects the nurturing aspect of God's character, as seen in Isaiah 66:13, where God comforts His people as a mother comforts her child.

caring for her children
The care described here involves protection, provision, and guidance. In the cultural context, a mother's care was essential for the development of her children, ensuring they grew up healthy and strong. This parallels the spiritual care provided by Paul and his companions, who sought to protect the Thessalonians from false teachings and to guide them in truth. This nurturing role is a type of Christ's care for His church, as He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Thessalonians, emphasizing his gentle approach in ministry.

2. Silas (Silvanus)
A companion of Paul, mentioned in the opening of the letter, who shared in the ministry to the Thessalonians.

3. Timothy
Another companion of Paul, who was involved in the ministry and is mentioned in the letter.

4. Thessalonica
A city in Macedonia where Paul, Silas, and Timothy established a church and to whom this letter is addressed.

5. Thessalonian Church
The recipients of the letter, a young church facing persecution and needing encouragement and instruction.
Teaching Points
Gentleness in Leadership
Paul exemplifies that true spiritual leadership involves gentleness and care, akin to a mother's nurturing love. Leaders today should emulate this approach, prioritizing compassion over authority.

Nurturing Relationships
Just as Paul cared for the Thessalonians, believers are called to nurture and support one another in their faith journeys, fostering a community of love and growth.

The Power of Example
Paul’s gentle conduct serves as a powerful example for believers. Our actions and attitudes can profoundly impact others, encouraging them in their walk with Christ.

Balancing Authority and Gentleness
While Paul had apostolic authority, he chose to exercise it with gentleness. This balance is crucial in all relationships, whether in family, church, or workplace settings.

Reflecting Christ’s Love
Paul’s approach mirrors the love and gentleness of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His character in our interactions with others.(7) Among you.--Rather, in the midst of you, making the gentleness still more marked. "Her," in the Greek emphatically her own. The contrast is drawn between the charlatan, licentious, sophistical, fawning, greedy, vainglorious teachers, to whom Greeks were well accustomed, and the Apostles, sitting familiarly like mothers amidst a group of their own children, folding them for warmth to their bosoms "Keep a mother's heart for men," was the advice which made Henri Perreyve's life so winning (Meditations, p. 87).

Verse 7. - But. The apostle now describes iris conduct positively. We were gentle; a word used of the amiable conduct of a superior toward an inferior, as of a master toward a servant, a prince toward his subjects, or a father toward his children. "The servant of God must not strive, but be gentle toward all men" (2 Timothy 2:24). Some manuscripts read, "We were babes among you" - the difference being only the addition of another letter. Among you; in our intercourse with you. Even as a nurse; or rather, a nursing mother, for the children arc her own. Cherisheth; the word employed for birds warming and cherishing their young. Her children. A stronger expression of tenderness and love could hardly be made. Even as a nursing mother dedicates her life for her infant; so, says Paul, we are willing to dedicate ourselves for you. Some important manuscripts read the verse thus: "But we were babes among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children;" but this arises from an obvious error of the transcriber.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
On the contrary,
Ἀλλὰ (Alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

we were
ἐγενήθημεν (egenēthēmen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

gentle
ἤπιοι (ēpioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3516: From an obsolete particle ne- and epos; not speaking, i.e. An infant; figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you,
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a nursing mother
τροφὸς (trophos)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5162: A nurse. From trepho; a nourisher, i.e. Nurse.

caring for
θάλπῃ (thalpē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2282: (properly: I warm, then) I cherish, nourish, foster, comfort. Probably akin to thallo; to brood, i.e. to foster.

her
ἑαυτῆς (heautēs)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

children.
τέκνα (tekna)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you like (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)
1 Thessalonians 2:6
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