Sister's Son
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In biblical times, family relationships were of paramount importance, and the term "sister's son" is used to describe a nephew, specifically the son of one's sister. This relationship is highlighted in several passages of the Bible, illustrating the familial bonds and responsibilities that were prevalent in ancient Israelite society.

One of the most notable references to a sister's son is found in the account of Abraham and Lot. Lot is described as the son of Haran, Abraham's brother, making him Abraham's nephew. However, in Genesis 14:14, the Berean Standard Bible refers to Lot as Abraham's "brother's son," which is a common way to denote a close kinship, even though Lot was technically Abraham's sister's son. This relationship underscores the close familial ties and the protective role that Abraham assumed over Lot, especially when Lot was taken captive, prompting Abraham to lead a rescue mission.

Another significant mention of a sister's son is found in the New Testament, in the account of Paul's nephew. In Acts 23:16 , it is recorded: "But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush, he went into the barracks and told Paul." This passage highlights the vigilance and loyalty of Paul's nephew, who played a crucial role in thwarting a plot against Paul's life. The young man's actions demonstrate the importance of family loyalty and the protective instincts that were expected within the family unit.

The role of a sister's son can also be seen in the broader context of inheritance and family lineage. In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, family lineage was typically traced through the male line, but the presence of a sister's son could influence inheritance rights and family dynamics. For example, in cases where a man had no sons, his inheritance might pass to his sister's son, ensuring that the family property remained within the extended family.

The relationship between an uncle and his sister's son was often one of mentorship and guidance. Uncles could serve as protectors, advisors, and even surrogate fathers, especially in the absence of the nephew's biological father. This dynamic is evident in the close relationship between Abraham and Lot, as well as in the protective actions of Paul's nephew.

In summary, the concept of a sister's son in the Bible reflects the strong familial bonds and responsibilities that were integral to the social fabric of ancient Israel. These relationships were characterized by loyalty, protection, and the continuation of family lineage, underscoring the importance of family in biblical narratives.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Sister's Son

SISTER'S SON

The King James Version translates rightly

(1) ben-'achotho (Genesis 29:13); and

(2) huios tes adelphes (Acts 23:16), and wrongly,

(3) anepsios (Colossians 4:10), where, without doubt, the real meaning is "cousin," as in the Revised Version (British and American).

See RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY.

Greek
431. anepsios -- a cousin
... cousin, sister's son. From a (as a particle of union) and an obsolete nepos (a brood);
properly, akin, ie (specially) a cousin -- sister's son. see GREEK a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/431.htm - 6k
Library

How Antipater was Hated by all the Nation [Of the Jews] For
... same mother with Alexander and Aristobulus, and whom Pheroras neglected to marry,
he gave the one in marriage to Antipater, the king's sister's son, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how antipater was.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... In short, thou hast done this whilst thou art my kinsman, and my sister's son, and
the husband of my daughters, and was hospitably treated by me, and didst eat ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Acts xxiii. 8-Jun
... kill him. And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he
went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Then Paul ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlix acts xxiii 8-jun.htm

Apion Book 2 Footnotes
... the Authentic. Rec. Part I.-p.200-201, whither I refer the inquisitive
reader. [7] Sister's son, and adopted son. [8] Called more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/apion book 2 footnotes.htm

How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the ...
... And for the daughters the king had by Mariamne, the one was married to Antipater,
his sister's son, and the other to his brother's son, Phasaelus. ...
/.../chapter 28 how antipater is.htm

Martyrdom of Our Apostles.
... After the death of Abgar, the kingdom of Armenia was divided between two: Ananoun,
Abgar's son, reigned at Edessa, and his sister's son, Sanadroug, in Armenia. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ix martyrdom of our apostles.htm

The Deceiver Deceived
... As soon as Laban heard about Jacob, his sister's son, he ran to meet him, put his
arms around him, kissed him many times, and brought him to his home. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the deceiver deceived.htm

How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ...
... It happened also that Ahaziah, king of Jerusalem, was now come to Joram, for he
was his sister's son, as we have said already, to see how he did after his wound ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how jehu was.htm

Elucidations.
... bearing the name of St. Mark,""sister's son to Barnabas," as St. Paul calls
him. [4267] That he was St. Peter's pupil may be inferred ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/elucidations.htm

A Plot Detected
... 16. And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went
and entered into the castle, and told Paul.17. Then Paul ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a plot detected.htm

Resources
Who was Laban in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Saul of Tarsus before he became the apostle Paul? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Tubal-Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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