QUIVERFULL Meaning and
Definition
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Quiverfull is a term used to describe a specific religious movement within evangelical Christianity, primarily practiced in the United States. The concept of "quiverfull" is derived from a biblical reference in Psalm 127:3-5, which states, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."
In a quiverfull mindset, adherents believe that procreation is a fundamental duty, aligned with God's commandment to "be fruitful and multiply." Followers of this movement typically prioritize large families and reject any form of artificial birth control or family planning. The motivation behind quiverfull is often rooted in the belief that children are a blessing from God and that each child is intended to fulfill a specific purpose in God's plan.
Quiverfull families typically embrace traditional gender roles, with the husband as the head of the household and the wife fulfilling the role of homemaker and primary caregiver for the children. The movement also emphasizes homeschooling as a means to instill their religious beliefs and protect their children from secular influences.
While the quiverfull movement is driven by faith and a desire to live in accordance with biblical principles, it is important to note that it is not a universally accepted or practiced approach to Christianity. Quiverfull has garnered both praise and criticism, with proponents seeing it as a means to build a strong Christian heritage, and critics expressing concerns about potential for spiritual and emotional manipulation, as well as the strain it can place on families.
Etymology of QUIVERFULL
The term "quiverfull" is a relatively new word that was coined in the late 20th century by a Christian movement emphasizing large families. The word itself combines two elements: "quiver" and "full".
The term "quiver" originally comes from the Old English word "cwifer", which means a case or container for holding arrows. This can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "kwerbaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "kwer", meaning to mix or stir.
The use of "quiver" as a metaphor for a large family comes from a biblical reference. In Psalm 127:3-5, it is stated, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them".
