Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
Held in high respect by Hebrews
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The law commanded that honor was to be paid to a mother as well as to a father. In nearly all cases the mothers of the kings of Israel are mentioned as well as the fathers. The wise woman who appealed to Joab as “a mother in Israel,” was at once listened to (2 Sam. 20:1919I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord? (2 Samuel 20:19)). A mother has naturally great influence over her children, whether for good or evil, as Jochebed the mother of Moses, and Jezebel the mother of Athaliah. The children of the virtuous woman arise and call her blessed (Prov. 31:2828Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Proverbs 31:28)). Timothy had a faithful mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:55When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (2 Timothy 1:5)). There are also “mothers” in the church, who have the Lord’s interests at heart in the welfare of the saints, as Paul called the mother of Rufus his own mother also (Rom. 16:1313Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. (Romans 16:13)).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3384; motherless, i.e. of unknown maternity
KJV Usage:
without mother