1
O reason of the children, tyrant over the emotions! O religion, more desirable to the mother than her children!
2
Two courses were open to this mother, that of religion, and that of preserving her seven sons for a time, as the tyrant had promised.
3
She loved religion more, the religion that preserves them for eternal life according to God's promise.
4
In what manner might I express the emotions of parents who love their children? We impress upon the character of a small child a wondrous likeness both of mind and of form. Especially is this true of mothers, who because of their birth pangs have a deeper sympathy toward their offspring than do the fathers.
5
Considering that mothers are the weaker sex and give birth to many, they are more devoted to their children.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.