4 Maccabees 15:4

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 birthpangs have a deeper sympathy toward their offspring than do the fathers.

4 Maccabees 15:4 In-Context

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, 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 birthpangs 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.

6 The mother of the seven boys, more than any other mother, loved her children. In seven pregnancies she had implanted in herself tender love toward them,