Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a "kinsman" refers to a male relative who shares a familial bond through blood or marriage. The concept of a kinsman is deeply rooted in the social and legal structures of ancient Israelite society, where family ties were paramount. The role of a kinsman extended beyond mere familial connection to encompass responsibilities and duties that were both protective and redemptive in nature.Hebrew Context and Terminology The Hebrew word often translated as "kinsman" is "go'el," which carries the connotation of a redeemer or protector. This term is most prominently featured in the context of the "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: גֹּאֵל, go'el), a role that involved specific obligations to preserve the family lineage and property. The kinsman-redeemer was responsible for redeeming a relative who had fallen into debt or slavery, marrying a childless widow to preserve the family line, and avenging the blood of a murdered relative. Biblical Examples 1. Boaz and Ruth: One of the most well-known examples of a kinsman-redeemer is Boaz, who redeemed Ruth, a Moabite widow, by marrying her. This act preserved the lineage of Elimelech, Ruth's deceased father-in-law. The Book of Ruth highlights Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer, emphasizing his willingness to fulfill this duty. Ruth 3:9-13 records Ruth's appeal to Boaz: "Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer." Boaz responds affirmatively, acknowledging his role and promising to act in accordance with the law. 2. Avenger of Blood: The kinsman also had the duty of avenging the death of a relative, as outlined in Numbers 35:19 : "The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him." This responsibility underscores the kinsman's role in maintaining justice and family honor. 3. Levirate Marriage: The practice of levirate marriage, where a brother or close relative marries the widow of a deceased man without a son, is another aspect of the kinsman's duties. This is illustrated in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where the law prescribes that the brother of the deceased should marry the widow to produce offspring in the deceased brother's name. Theological Significance The role of the kinsman-redeemer is not only a social and legal construct but also carries theological significance. It prefigures the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer for humanity. Just as the kinsman-redeemer in ancient Israel was responsible for restoring and preserving the family, Christ redeems and restores believers, bringing them into the family of God. This typology is reflected in passages such as Hebrews 2:11 : "Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers." Cultural and Historical Context In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, the family unit was the cornerstone of social and economic life. The kinsman-redeemer played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and stability of the family. This role was particularly important in a time when land ownership and family lineage were vital to one's identity and survival. The kinsman's responsibilities were legally binding and were seen as a sacred duty, reflecting the communal and covenantal nature of Israelite society. Conclusion The concept of the kinsman in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing legal, social, and theological dimensions. It highlights the importance of family loyalty, justice, and redemption, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative and find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews goel, from root meaning to redeem. The goel among the Hebrews was the nearest male blood relation alive. Certain important obligations devolved upon him toward his next of kin. (1.) If any one from poverty was unable to redeem his inheritance, it was the duty of the kinsman to redeem it (Leviticus 25:25, 28; Ruth 3:9, 12). He was also required to redeem his relation who had sold himself into slavery (Leviticus 25:48, 49). God is the Goel of his people because he redeems them (Exodus 6:6; Isaiah 43:1; 41:14; 44:6, 22; 48:20; Psalm 103:4; Job 19:25, etc.). (2.) The goel also was the avenger (q.v.) of blood (Numbers 35:21) in the case of the murder of the next of kin. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A man of the same race or family; one related by blood.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KINSMAN; KINSWOMANkinz'-man, kinz'-woom-an: Most frequently of the go'-el, the one who had a right to "redeem"; referring to the custom of avenging the blood of a slain kinsman; hence, a blood relative (Numbers 5:8 Ruth 2:20; Ruth 3:9, 12; 4:1, 3, 6, 8, 14; compare "performing the part of a kinsman," Ruth 3:13); in Ruth 2:1, better rendered "acquaintance." Also qarobh, one near, rendered "kinsman" (Psalm 38:11); probably better, "neighbor." Once, she'-er, "flesh kin," rendered "kinsman" (Numbers 27:11; compare Leviticus 18:6; Leviticus 25:49; Leviticus 20:19; Leviticus 21:2, rendered "kin"). suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship of varying degrees of nearness (Luke 14:12 John 18:26 Acts 10:24 Romans 9:3; Romans 16:7, 11, 21). Rendered "kin" in Mark 6:4. Greek 4773. suggenes -- congenital, hence akin to, subst. a kinsman ... ... a kinsman, relative. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: suggenes Phonetic Spelling: (soong-ghen-ace') Short Definition: akin, a relative Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4773.htm - 7k 4773a. suggenes -- congenital, hence akin to, subst. a kinsman ... 2458. Iounias -- Junias, a kinsman of Paul 408. Andronikos -- "man of victory," Andronicus, a Jewish ... 223. Alexandros -- Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a ... Strong's Hebrew 4129. moda -- kinsmanmoda or moda. 4128, 4129. moda or moda. 4130 . kinsman. Transliteration: moda or moda Phonetic Spelling: (mo-dah') Short Definition: friend. ... /hebrew/4129.htm - 6k 1350. gaal -- to redeem, act as kinsman 5988. Ammiel -- "my kinsman is God," four Israelites 5971b. am -- kinsman 463. Eliam -- "God is kinsman," an Israelite name 3360. Yeqamam -- "may kinsman establish," a Levite 5990. Ammizabad -- "my kinsman has bestowed," an Israelite 5992. Amminadab -- "my kinsman is noble," the name of several ... 5996. Ammishadday -- "my kinsman is Shaddai," a Danite 5989. Ammihud -- "my kinsman is majesty," four Israelites, also a ... Library The Kinsman Redeemer The Kinsman-Redeemer Letter Lii. Letter to his Kinsman Severinus Ruth About the Dragon and the Young Man. Greek and Jew Christ the Redeemer Ruth The Friends of Jesus Job's Sure Knowledge Thesaurus Kinsman (29 Occurrences)... (1.) If any one from poverty was unable to redeem his inheritance, it was the duty of the kinsman to redeem it (Leviticus 25:25, 28; Ruth 3:9, 12). ... /k/kinsman.htm - 19k Kinsman's (1 Occurrence) Kinsman-redeemer (3 Occurrences) Kinsman-redeemers (1 Occurrence) Kin (18 Occurrences) Kinswoman (4 Occurrences) Relative (33 Occurrences) Bo'az (24 Occurrences) Boaz (25 Occurrences) Na'omi (21 Occurrences) Resources What is a kinsman redeemer? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the first kinsman redeemer refuse to marry Ruth? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ruth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Kinsman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Kinsman (29 Occurrences)John 18:26 Romans 16:11 Genesis 14:14 Genesis 14:16 Genesis 24:48 Genesis 29:12 Genesis 29:15 Leviticus 25:25 Leviticus 25:26 Leviticus 25:49 Numbers 5:8 Numbers 27:11 Deuteronomy 15:12 Judges 9:18 Ruth 2:1 Ruth 3:2 Ruth 3:9 Ruth 3:12 Ruth 3:13 Ruth 4:1 Ruth 4:3 Ruth 4:6 Ruth 4:8 Ruth 4:14 1 Kings 16:11 2 Chronicles 36:10 Nehemiah 13:4 Proverbs 7:4 Amos 6:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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