What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Mean in the King James?
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The tenderness translated “cherisheth” carries the image of warmth: care here is a presence that keeps another close and nurtures growth.
THE MEANING
The verse shows care taking the shape of gentleness: strength stays near in a way that warms and sustains growth. Its image is not distant niceness but close, nourishing tenderness.
THE ROOT
θάλπῃ
thálpēi
GROWS FROM
θαλπ-
To warm, cherish, or keep warm.
The Greek verb holds warmth and tender care together. English “cherisheth” conveys affection, while the root also lets you feel care as a warmth that surrounds and sustains.
ALSO GROWS
thálpō: To warm or cherish.
θάλπω
This is the verb’s dictionary form; it shows the warmth carried by the nurse’s tenderness.
thálpos: Warmth or heat.
θάλπος
This related noun makes the physical warmth inside “cherisheth” visible: the care in the verse is sheltering and sustaining.
THE PATTERN
Nurturing care protects and sustains growth through close, gentle presence.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,THE THREAD
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:The Greek verb translated “cherisheth” here appears again in Ephesians 5:29. There, too, it describes care that warms and sustains, extending this verse’s image of tender nurture.
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