Divine Nurture: τροφός (Strong’s G5162: trophos) Reveals Pastoral Care

Strong’s G5162: A feminine noun meaning “nurse” or “nursing mother,” trophos appears in Paul’s description of his gentle pastoral care. It emphasizes tender, nurturing care in spiritual leadership, particularly through the metaphor of a nursing mother’s devotion.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τροφός (trophos) specifically refers to a nursing mother or wet nurse, emphasizing the intimate and nurturing aspects of care. In the New Testament, Paul uses this powerful metaphor to describe his pastoral approach to the Thessalonian church, highlighting the gentle, sacrificial nature of spiritual leadership. The word carries deep cultural significance, as wet nurses were highly respected for their nurturing role in ancient society. The early church fathers frequently used τροφός when discussing pastoral care and spiritual formation. Today, this word continues to inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and discipleship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τροφός, trophos, tro-FOS
• Detailed pronunciation: τρο (tro) + φός (FOS)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρέφω (trepho) meaning “to nourish”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) forming agent noun
• Basic meaning: “one who nourishes”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “nursing mother”
• Wet nurse
• Nourisher
• Caregiver

For compound words: Not applicable as τροφός is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “nursing mother” – Most precise meaning
2. “nurse” – General equivalent
3. “nourisher” – Broader meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

τροφή (trophe) [tro-FAY] – nourishment – See G5160
θηλάζω (thelazo) [thay-LAH-zo] – to nurse – See G2337
γαλουχέω (galoucheo) [gal-oo-KHEH-oh] – to suckle – See G1051

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τροφός (subject)
• Genitive: τροφοῦ (possession)
• Dative: τροφῷ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τροφόν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τροφός’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use as a metaphor for pastoral care. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from literal nursing to spiritual nurture. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek for wet nurses and caregivers. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in pastoral ministry. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common use in household contexts and contracts for wet nurses.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“but we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother [τροφός] taking care of her own children.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τροφός in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τροφός beautifully illustrates the nature of spiritual leadership through the metaphor of a nursing mother. Paul’s use of this term reveals that true pastoral care involves tender nurture, sacrificial love, and intimate concern for spiritual growth. Through τροφός, we see that the good news of King Jesus is not merely proclaimed but lovingly nurtured in believers’ lives, reflecting God’s own tender care for His children.

D – Did You Know?

1. Wet nurses held honored positions in ancient households
2. The term influenced early Christian concepts of spiritual formation
3. It appears in ancient contracts specifying duties of caregivers

Strong’s G5162: A feminine noun meaning “nurse” or “nursing mother,” trophos appears in Paul’s description of his gentle pastoral care. It emphasizes tender, nurturing care in spiritual leadership, particularly through the metaphor of a nursing mother’s devotion.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: nurse, nursing mother, pastoral care, nurture, spiritual formation, leadership, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, ministry, discipleship, motherhood​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​