[Greek] τρέφω (trephō), [Latin] nutrio: to nourish, to make to grow, to support, to fatten, to bring up, to nurture, to let grow naturally, to rear; Mt.6:26, Mt.25:37, Lk.12:24, Lk.23:29, Act.12;20, Jas.5:5, Rev.12:14,16, Lk.4:16
In 527 A.D. emperor Justinian decreed that children be have the right to be educated and be exempt from slavery
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: At an early period, orphan houses existed both at Athens and Rome. In 527 A.D., the emperor Justinian decreed that orphans, infants and children be exempted from slavery. It was stated that these children were deserving of moral, physical, and intellectual development. The emperor encouraged that the state, Church and wealthy patrons provide the resources for these children. These public facilities were to be provided by the state and charitable organizations. A brephotrophium was a facility for infants. An orphanotrophium was an orphanage. A euphotrophium was facility for poor children. In ancient Greek and Rome, the instructor/teacher was responsible for the whole (moral, physical, and intellectual) development of the child. In this culture there was a connection between feeding and education.
Old Testament/New Testament: Both Old Testament and New Testament cultures shared similar concepts of feeding and nurturing. The Greek term trepho is used for nursing, for nourishing, and for bringing up children. These actions imply a present tense with continual action. However, the New Testament further develops more spiritual and nuanced examples when Jesus and the Father provide and nurture.
Scripture:
“Then the righteous will answer Him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?’” Mt.25:27
Jesus speaks to the need to feed the hungry (help the less fortunate and to serve others).
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” Mt.6:26
This scripture passage relates to having trust that the Father will provide for us. This involves trusting in God’s providence that He will provide what we need.
“He came to Nazareth, where He had grown up, and went according to His custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day.” Lk.4:16
This scripture passage pertains to where His parents had raised Jesus up in Nazareth.
“You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.” Jas.5:5
James speaks to the unjustly rich and indulgent who have used their treasures for temporary uses. Those who fail to store up lasting treasures will later face judgment.
Conclusion:
Dystrophy, atrophy, nutrient, nutrition
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases who cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Atrophy is a wasting away of a part of the body. It was interesting to learn that the historical context of how feeding extends to moral, psychological, and intellectual growth. This Greco-Roman method of system education becomes a precursor (among others) to the “well-rounded” education in a college or university setting. Also, this practice contributed to the development of public and private philanthropic support for children.
At first glance, I would have not expected to see that emperor Justinian would take a positive view toward the status and development of children. That certainly is “food for thought”. Sorry, couldn’t resist! Also, I guess you can say that the scriptures are right in that parenting does not have an expiration date! Jesus expands upon this idea in responding to the needs to of all types of less fortunate and vulnerable people.