Bible Dictionaries
Cook

Easton's Bible Dictionary

A person employed to perform culinary service. In early times among the Hebrews cooking was performed by the mistress of the household (Genesis 18:2-6; Judges 6:19 ), and the process was very expeditiously performed (Genesis 27:3,4,9,10 ). Professional cooks were afterwards employed (1 Samuel 8:13; 9:23 ). Few animals, as a rule, were slaughtered (other than sacrifices), except for purposes of hospitality (Genesis 18:7; Luke 15:23 ). The paschal lamb was roasted over a fire (Exodus 12:8,9; 2 Chronicles 35:13 ). Cooking by boiling was the usual method adopted (Leviticus 8:31; Exodus 16:23 ). No cooking took place on the Sabbath day (Exodus 35:3 ).