Bible Dictionary
Cook
A cook was a person who prepared food. In early times cooking was commonly done by the household women, but professional cooks later served kings and other households.
Definition
A cook was a person employed to prepare food. In early Hebrew households cooking was generally performed by the mistress of the house, but professional cooks were later employed in royal and other households.
Biblical Usage
Scripture describes cooking for hospitality, ordinary meals, and sacred observances. The Passover lamb was roasted, boiling was common, and no cooking was to take place on the Sabbath.
Historical Background
Few animals were slaughtered except for sacrifices, hospitality, or festivity. Cooking was often performed quickly, especially when guests arrived.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
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 (Gen. 18:2-6; Judg. 6:19), and the process was very expeditiously performed (Gen. 27:3, 4, 9, 10). Professional cooks were afterwards employed (1 Sam. 8:13; 9:23). Few animals, as a rule, were slaughtered (other than sacrifices), except for purposes of hospitality (Gen. 18:7; Luke 15:23). The paschal lamb was roasted over a fire (Ex. 12:8, 9; 2Chr. 35:13). Cooking by boiling was the usual method adopted (Lev. 8:31; Ex. 16:23). No cooking took place on the Sabbath day (Ex. 35:3).