Topical Encyclopedia The concept of family is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with the creation account in Genesis. The family unit is portrayed as a divine institution established by God, serving as the foundational building block of society and a primary context for spiritual and moral development.Creation and Institution of Family The institution of the family is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. God created humanity in His image, as male and female, and established the marital relationship as the cornerstone of the family. Genesis 1:27-28 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" In Genesis 2:24 , the marital bond is further emphasized: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This passage underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong, exclusive union between a man and a woman, forming the basis for the family. Roles and Responsibilities within the Family The Bible outlines specific roles and responsibilities for family members, emphasizing order, love, and mutual respect. Ephesians 5:22-25 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." Children are also given a significant role within the family structure. Ephesians 6:1-4 states, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Family as a Reflection of God's Relationship with His People The family is often used as a metaphor for God's relationship with His people. The covenant relationship between God and Israel is likened to a marriage, with God as the faithful husband and Israel as the bride (Isaiah 54:5, Jeremiah 3:14). In the New Testament, the church is described as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9), highlighting the intimate and covenantal nature of God's love for His people. The Family in the Broader Community The family is not only a private institution but also plays a crucial role in the broader community. It is within the family that individuals learn values, ethics, and the principles of faith. The family serves as a microcosm of the church and society, where love, service, and discipleship are practiced and modeled. The biblical portrayal of the family as instituted by God underscores its significance in His divine plan. Through the family, God intends to nurture faith, cultivate character, and perpetuate His covenant promises across generations. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 2:23,24And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Nave's Topical Index Library Preface. The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. What is the Christian Home? The Evolution of a Father On the Church Responsibilities of the Christian Home. Therefore as Many Women as There are Now... Clairvoyance Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times. Innocent iii Resources What does the Bible say about family? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about family conflict? | GotQuestions.org How does the Bible define a good Christian family? | GotQuestions.org Family: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Family of Saints: Be Duly Regulated Family of Saints: Deceivers and Liars should be Removed From Family of Saints: Live in Mutual Forbearance Family of Saints: Live in Unity Family of Saints: Punishment of Irreligious Family of Saints: Rejoice Together Before God Family of Saints: should be Taught God's Word Family of Saints: Warned Against Departing from God Family of Saints: Worship God Together Family: Good: Jailor of Philippi Family: Good: Lazarus of Bethany Family: Infelicity in David and Michal Family: Infelicity in Elkanah, on Account of Bigamic Feuds Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar Family: Infelicity In of Isaac, on Account of the Disagreement Between Jacob and Esau Family: Infelicity In of Jacob, the Bigamic Jealousy Between Leah and Rachel Family: Persian, Domestic Customs Related Terms |
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