Definition and Usage:
The term "kinsfolks" refers to one's relatives or family members, encompassing a broad range of familial relationships. In biblical times, the concept of kinship was central to social structure, inheritance, and religious duties. The Hebrew and Greek terms often translated as "kinsfolk" or "kindred" include "mishpachah" (מִשְׁפָּחָה) in Hebrew and "syngenēs" (συγγενής) in Greek. These terms denote a connection by blood, marriage, or clan.

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, the importance of kinsfolk is evident in the narratives and laws that govern family relationships. The family unit was the primary social and economic unit, and kinship ties were crucial for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights. For example, the account of Ruth and Boaz highlights the role of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: "go'el"), a relative who had the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress (Ruth 2:20).

The laws concerning the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25) also emphasize the restoration of property to family members, ensuring that land remained within the extended family. This reflects the deep connection between land, family, and identity in Israelite society.

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, the concept of kinsfolk extends to the spiritual family of believers. Jesus redefines kinship in spiritual terms, emphasizing the bond among His followers. In Matthew 12:48-50 , Jesus states, "Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?" He then points to His disciples and says, "Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of kinsfolk in his letters. In Romans 9:3 , Paul expresses his deep concern for his "kinsmen according to the flesh," referring to the Israelites, his fellow Jews. This highlights the tension between physical and spiritual kinship in the early Christian community.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
Kinsfolk played a vital role in the cultural and religious life of biblical communities. The family was the primary context for religious instruction and the transmission of faith. The Shema, a central declaration of faith in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, underscores the responsibility of parents to teach their children about God's commandments.

Theologically, the concept of kinsfolk is expanded in the New Testament to include the family of God, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. This spiritual kinship is rooted in the belief that all believers are adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5).

Key Biblical References:
· Ruth 2:20 : "Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, 'May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.' Naomi continued, 'The man is a close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.'"
· Leviticus 25:25 : "If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest kinsman is to come and redeem what his brother has sold."
· Matthew 12:48-50 : "But Jesus replied, 'Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?' Pointing to His disciples, He said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.'"
· Romans 9:3 : "For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood."

Conclusion:
The biblical concept of kinsfolk encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting the importance of family ties in the ancient world and the transformative nature of spiritual kinship in the Christian faith.

Chapter iii.
... and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake: " and
ye shall be betrayed both by parents and brethren, and kinsfolks and friends ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iii.htm

How the Desire to Exalt and Magnify God Separates us from Inferior ...
... The mother of fair loving and the spouse of most holy love cannot stay among their
kinsfolks and acquaintance; they still walk on in grief, seeking after the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vii how the desire.htm

Joshua and the Angel
... proscribed. They will be "betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and
kinsfolks, and friends," even unto death. Luke 21:16. Their ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 47 joshua and the.htm

An Era of Spiritual Darkness
... Now were fulfilled the words of Jesus: "Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and
brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 3 an era of.htm

Chapter xxix
... That is to be explained partly by the fact that he was naturally very strong, then
partly by a mixture of two facts: his joy at finding his kinsfolks and his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

Before the Sanhedrin
... and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake." "Ye
shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 8 before the sanhedrin.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... Ahaziah of Judah, and Jezebel the queen mother, with "all that remained of the house
of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... Let the virtue of Thy Passion and Thy Blood descend now, I beseech Thee, into Purgatory,
upon the souls of my parents, kinsfolks, friends, benefactors, and all ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

A Discourse
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Kinsfolks (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kinsfolks (2 Occurrences). Luke 21:16 And ye shall
be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks...
/k/kinsfolks.htm - 7k

Kinsfolk (13 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks,
and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. ...
/k/kinsfolk.htm - 10k

Kinship (1 Occurrence)

/k/kinship.htm - 6k

Man-child (11 Occurrences)
... he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he smote all the house
of Baasha: he left him not a single man-child, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of ...
/m/man-child.htm - 10k

Baasa (26 Occurrences)
... he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he smote all the house
of Baasha: he left him not a single man-child, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of ...
/b/baasa.htm - 13k

Betrayed (31 Occurrences)
... Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks,
and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. ...
/b/betrayed.htm - 15k

Baasha's (5 Occurrences)
... he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he smote all the house
of Baasa; he left him not a single man-child, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of ...
/b/baasha's.htm - 7k

Brethren (528 Occurrences)
... Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks,
and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. ...
/b/brethren.htm - 51k

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