Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "mother-in-law" refers to the mother of one's spouse. The role and relationship of a mother-in-law are mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, providing insight into family dynamics and cultural norms of the times.Old Testament References The concept of a mother-in-law is first introduced in the Old Testament. One of the most notable mentions is in the Book of Ruth. Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth, plays a significant role in the narrative. 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 highlights themes of loyalty, love, and faithfulness, transcending cultural and familial boundaries. Another Old Testament reference is found in the account of Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel. Laban, their father, is Jacob's father-in-law, and the interactions between Jacob and Laban provide insight into the familial relationships and customs of the time (Genesis 29-31). New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the relationship between a mother-in-law and her family in the context of His teachings. In Matthew 10:35-36 , Jesus states, "For I have come to turn ‘A man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’" This passage underscores the potential for division within families due to allegiance to Christ, illustrating the challenges that can arise in familial relationships when faith is involved. The Gospels also recount the healing of Peter's mother-in-law by Jesus. In Matthew 8:14-15 , it is written, "When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them." This miracle demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power, as well as the immediate response of service from Peter's mother-in-law upon her healing. Cultural and Theological Insights In biblical times, the family unit was central to social and economic life. The role of a mother-in-law was significant, often involving the integration of new family members and the continuation of family traditions and faith. The relationships between mothers-in-law and their children-in-law could be complex, influenced by cultural expectations and personal dynamics. Theologically, the Bible presents the mother-in-law relationship as one that can reflect broader spiritual truths, such as loyalty, faithfulness, and the transformative power of God's love. The accounts of Naomi and Ruth, as well as Peter's mother-in-law, serve as examples of how these relationships can be conduits for God's work and blessings within the family. Overall, the biblical portrayal of mothers-in-law provides valuable lessons on family relationships, faith, and the importance of love and loyalty in the face of life's challenges. Topical Bible Verses Luke 12:53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Topicalbible.org Matthew 8:14 Greek 3994. penthera -- a mother-in-law ... of pentheros Definition a mother-in-law NASB Word Usage mother-in-law (6). ... Feminine of pentheros; a wife's mother -- mother in law, wife's mother. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3994.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5281. Noomi -- mother-in-law of Ruth... 5280, 5281. Noomi. 5282 . mother-in-law of Ruth. Transliteration: Noomi Phonetic Spelling: (no-om-ee') Short Definition: Naomi. ... /hebrew/5281.htm - 6k 2545. chamoth -- husband's mother 2859. chathan -- make oneself a daughter's husband 2860b. chothen -- wife's father or mother 2537. Chamutal -- perhaps "my husband's father is the dew," mother ... Library Letter iii. To Bassula, his Mother-In-Law. Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others. Of the Order in which the Narrative Concerning Peter's Mother-In ... We Will Pass on to Clear up Another of the Charges, if Only He ... Ruth, the Gleaner The Devotion of Ruth A Full Reward. Of the Order of the Incidents which are Recorded after this ... Ruth and Naomi. Of the Calling of the Apostles as they were Fishing. Resources Dealing with a mother-in-law...? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible mention David's mother? | GotQuestions.org Is there a heavenly mother? | GotQuestions.org Mother: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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