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Weaning in biblical times was a significant milestone in the life of a child and is mentioned in several passages throughout the Scriptures. The process of weaning a child from breastfeeding marked a transition from infancy to early childhood and was often accompanied by cultural and religious significance.

Biblical References:

1.Genesis 21:8 · "So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned." This passage highlights the celebration associated with weaning. Isaac's weaning was marked by a feast, indicating the importance of this event in the family and community. It was a time of joy and thanksgiving, acknowledging the child's growth and development.

2.1 Samuel 1:22-24 · "But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, 'After the boy is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and stay there permanently.' Her husband Elkanah replied, 'Do what you think is best, and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.' So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. When she had weaned him, she took him with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh, though the boy was still young." In this account, Hannah's dedication of Samuel to the Lord's service was contingent upon his weaning. This underscores the cultural practice of weaning as a time when a child was considered ready for new stages of life and service.

3.2 Maccabees 7:27 (Deuterocanonical) · Although not part of the Protestant canon, this passage provides additional context: "But leaning close to him, she spoke in their native tongue: 'My son, have pity on me. I carried you nine months in my womb, and nursed you for three years, and have reared you and brought you up to this point in your life, and have taken care of you.'" This reflects the extended period of nursing and the deep maternal bond formed during this time.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Israel, weaning typically occurred around the age of three, although this could vary. The weaning process was not only a physical transition but also a spiritual and social one. It was a time when a child began to partake in more communal activities and was introduced to solid foods, symbolizing a step towards independence.

The celebration of weaning, as seen in the case of Isaac, was an opportunity for families to express gratitude to God for the child's survival and health. In a time when infant mortality was high, reaching the age of weaning was a significant achievement.

Theological Implications:

Weaning in the Bible can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth and maturity. Just as a child transitions from milk to solid food, believers are encouraged to grow in their faith and understanding. The Apostle Paul uses this imagery in1 Corinthians 3:2, where he writes, "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." This metaphor underscores the expectation of spiritual development and maturity in the life of a believer.

In summary, weaning in the biblical context was a multifaceted event with physical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. It marked a child's growth and readiness for new stages of life, celebrated within the family and community, and served as a metaphor for spiritual maturity in the Christian faith.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wean.

The Christian view of Sorrow
... ends. It thus reveals aweaning, subduing, elevating power, in sorrow.
The... world. Beautiful is thisweaning efficacy of sorrow. By...

Chapter xxi
... Theweaning becomes the occasion for a "great feast." We are made to feel that
to Abraham everything connected with Isaac is important....

And when the Circle of Three Years had Rolled Round...
... And when the circle of three years had rolled round, and the time of herweaning
was fulfilled, they brought the virgin to the temple of the Lord with offerings...

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... As we know, the period ofweaning among the Hebrews was generally at the end
of two years (Chethub.60), and was celebrated by a feast....

Chapter xii
... came in Ur, "before he came to Haran." As our previous, explanation indicated, we
believe that this call included Terah but did not succeed inweaning him from...

The Simpler Interpretation of the Promise About not Tasting of...
... But he who has been weaned, like Isaac, [5757] worthy of the good cheer and reception
which Abraham gave at theweaning of his son, would seek here and in...

Answer to the Question He is Always Asking, "Can He who is be...
... It is in fact a constant question amongst his pupils, "How can He who (always) is
be begotten?" This comes, I take it, of notweaning oneself from the human...

Letter x. To the Bishops of the Province of vienne. In the Matter...
... But this most holy firmness of the rock, reared, as we have said, by the building
hand of God, a man must wish to destroy in over-weaning wickedness when he...

The Meal at Emmaus
... had been brought during all the previous three years"I suppose that that was intended
to be the beginning of the preparation ofweaning and preparing them to...

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles...
... However, this earthly-minded minister of a new gospel, has taken a text which seems
to favor his naughty purpose, ofweaning the well-disposed little ones of...

Weaning (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wean. Multi-Version Concordance
Weaning (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah...

Hagar (15 Occurrences)
... 3. Her Harsh Expulsion and Divine Help: The other narrative (Genesis 21:8-21)
relates what occurred in connection with theweaning of Isaac....

Ishmael (44 Occurrences)
... On the occasion of theweaning of Isaac his rude and wayward spirit broke out in
expressions of insult and mockery (21:9, 10); and Sarah, discovering this...

Weapon (21 Occurrences)

Wean
... etc. Hence, as applied to a child, gamal covers the whole period of nursing
and care until theweaning is complete (1 Kings 11:20)....

Weaneth (2 Occurrences)

Entertain (8 Occurrences)
... by offerings (1 Samuel 9:13), in token of alliances (Genesis 26:30); sometimes in
connection with domestic or social events, as at theweaning of children...

Moses (9295 Occurrences)
... As soon as the natural time forweaning the child had come, he was transferred from
the humble abode of his father to the royal palace, where he was brought up...

Suckleth (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah her husband saith to her, 'Do that which is good in thine
eyes; abide till thyweaning him; only, Jehovah establish His word;' and...

Micaiah (27 Occurrences)
... Foreboding or foreseeing disaster, he did his best to avert it. This he could do
only byweaning the king from the influence of the 400 time-serving prophets....

What was the significance of weaning a child in the Bible (Genesis 21:8)? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Family & Parenting (All) | GotQuestions.org

How old was Isaac when Abraham almost sacrificed him? | GotQuestions.org

Weaning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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