Bible Dictionary
Wean
To wean is to bring a child to the end of nursing and early maternal care. In ancient Israel this commonly occurred at about three years of age and could be marked by a family feast.
Definition
To wean is to bring a child through the period of nursing and early maternal care to its completion. In ancient Israel, children were commonly nursed until about three years of age, after which they were mature enough for broader care.
Biblical Usage
The weaned child becomes a figure for contentment with God’s care. Completion of weaning could also be marked by a feast, and the term may encompass the whole period of nursing and care.
Historical Background
Hebrew children were generally nursed for three or four years. The completion of this critical stage was celebrated with a feast, and the child could then be entrusted to others.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Among the Hebrews children (whom it was customary for the mothers to nurse, Ex. 2:7-9; 1 Sam. 1:23; Cant. 8:1) were not generally weaned till they were three or four years old.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>wen: "To wean" in English Versions of the Bible is always the translation of (gamal), but gamal has a much wider force than merely "to wean," signifying "to deal fully with," as in Ps 13:6, etc. Hence, as applied to a child, gamal covers the whole period of nursing and care until the weaning is complete (1Ki 11:20). This period in ancient Israel extended to about 3 years, and when it was finished the child was mature enough to be entrusted to strangers (1Sa 1:24). And, as the completion of the period marked the end of the most critical stage of the child's life, it was celebrated with a feast (Ge 21:8), a custom still observed in the Orient. The weaned child, no longer fretting for the breast and satisfied with its mother's affection, is used in Ps 131:2 as a figure for Israel's contentment with God's care, despite the smallness of earthly possessions. In Isa 28:9 there is an ironical question, `Is God to teach you knowledge as if you were children? You should have learned His will long ago!'</p><p>Burton Scott Easton</p>