Cook

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 (Exod 12:8, 9; 2 Chr 35:13). Cooking by boiling was the usual method adopted (Lev 8:31; Exod 16:23). No cooking took place on the Sabbath day (Exod 35:3).