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NURSE.—Healthy women among the Hebrews in ancient times were accustomed to suckle their own children (Gen_21:7). As in Palestine to-day, the child was suckled for a long time, sometimes as much as three years (1Sa_1:23 f., 2Ma_7:27). Weaning was the occasion of a joyful feast (Gen_21:8, 1Sa_1:24). But the nurse was also found in olden times in Israel, and was often held in great affection and honour (Gen_24:59; Gen_35:8, Exo_2:7, 2Ki_11:2, Isa_49:23, 1Th_2:7). The nurse, mçneqeth, must be distinguished from the ’ômeneth, tr. [Note: translate or translation.] ‘nurse’ in Rth_4:18, 2Sa_4:4, which means the attendant in charge of the child.
W. Ewing.