Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "in-law" refers to the familial relationships established through marriage, such as those between a person and their spouse's family members. These relationships are significant in biblical narratives and often illustrate themes of loyalty, faithfulness, and the integration of different family units.Key Biblical Figures and Relationships: 1. Ruth and Naomi: One of the most notable in-law relationships in the Bible is between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem from Moab. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, famously pledges her loyalty to Naomi, saying, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). This relationship exemplifies devotion and the blending of cultural and religious backgrounds. 2. Moses and Jethro: Moses' relationship with his father-in-law, Jethro, is another significant example. Jethro, a priest of Midian, offers Moses wise counsel on governance and leadership. In Exodus 18, Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable men to help judge the people, thus easing Moses' burden. This interaction highlights the value of wisdom and support from in-laws. 3. Jacob and Laban: The relationship between Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban, is complex and fraught with tension. Jacob works for Laban for many years to marry his daughters, Leah and Rachel. The narrative in Genesis 29-31 details issues of deception, labor, and eventual separation, illustrating the potential challenges in in-law relationships. 4. David and Saul: King David's relationship with his father-in-law, King Saul, is marked by conflict and jealousy. Although David marries Saul's daughter Michal, Saul's growing envy of David's success leads to a strained relationship. Despite this, David continues to show respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:6. Biblical Principles and Teachings: · Honor and Respect: The Bible emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting family members, including in-laws. The commandment to "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12) can be extended to in-laws, promoting harmony and respect within the family unit. · Unity and Peace: In-law relationships are an opportunity to demonstrate unity and peace. Romans 12:18 encourages believers, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . This principle applies to maintaining harmonious relationships with in-laws. · Support and Counsel: In-laws can provide valuable support and counsel, as seen in the relationship between Moses and Jethro. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" . This underscores the potential for in-laws to offer wisdom and guidance. Cultural and Historical Context: In biblical times, family structures were patriarchal, and marriages often involved complex negotiations and alliances between families. In-law relationships were integral to maintaining family honor and social stability. The narratives involving in-laws reflect the cultural norms and expectations of the time, while also providing timeless lessons on family dynamics and relationships. In summary, the Bible presents in-law relationships as multifaceted, involving loyalty, wisdom, conflict, and reconciliation. These relationships are opportunities for demonstrating faithfulness, respect, and the integration of diverse family backgrounds. Greek 3995. pentheros -- a father-in-law ... a father-in-law. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: pentheros Phonetic Spelling: (pen-ther-os') Short Definition: a father-in-law Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3995.htm - 6k 3994. penthera -- a mother-in-law 3565. numphe -- a bride, a young woman Strong's Hebrew 3618. kallah -- daughter-in-law, bride... kallah. 3619 . daughter-in-law, bride. Transliteration: kallah Phonetic Spelling: (kal-law') Short Definition: bride. ... bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. ... /hebrew/3618.htm - 6k 2994. yebemeth -- sister-in-law 2246. Chobab -- father-in-law of Moses 7467. Reuel -- "friend of God," Moses' father-in-law, also an ... 3503. Yithro -- Moses' father-in-law 3837a. Laban -- father-in-law of Jacob 5281. Noomi -- mother-in-law of Ruth 8559. Tamar -- daughter-in-law of Judah, also two Israelite women ... 6317. Putiel -- Eleazar's father-in-law 8526. Talmay -- "plowman," a father-in-law of David, also a ... Library Letter iii. To Bassula, his Mother-In-Law. Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others. Whether Irregularity Results from Bigamy, when one Husband Has Two ... Naomi is an Instance of a Widow Receiving Back from Her Daughter ... But the Other Maximian Galerius, Chosen by Diocletian for his Son ... Within a Few Days Galerius C??sar Arrived, not to Congratulate his ... Maximian, Having Thus Forfeited the Respect Due to an Emperor and ... Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. Wife Decides It. Hard ... Ep. cxliv. Verianus, a Citizen of Nazianzus, had Been Offended by ... Of the Order in which the Narrative Concerning Peter's Mother-In ... Thesaurus In-law (2 Occurrences)In-law. Inland, In-law. Inlet . Multi-Version Concordance In-law (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 18:21 Saul said, I will give ... /i/in-law.htm - 7k Mother-in-law (16 Occurrences) Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences) Son-in-law (14 Occurrences) Father-in-law (25 Occurrences) Brother-in-law (5 Occurrences) Daughters-in-law (5 Occurrences) Sons-in-law (2 Occurrences) Sister-in-law (1 Occurrence) Brother-in-law's (1 Occurrence) Resources What should Christians learn from the Mosaic Law? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org What was the purpose of the Levitical Law? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance In-law (2 Occurrences)1 Samuel 18:21 Nehemiah 6:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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