Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5682 family, significance of

5682 family, significance of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5680 family » 5682 family, significance of

God created the family and is deeply concerned for its welfare. Scripture uses family metaphors to describe the relationship between God and his people.

God created the family

God cares for the families of those who honour him

Genesis 7:1 See also Genesis 6:18 pp Deuteronomy 5:8-10; 2 Samuel 6:11; Jeremiah 35:18-19; Jeremiah 38:17-18

God judges families who disobey him

Exodus 20:4-5 See also Numbers 16:23-32; Deuteronomy 11:6; Joshua 7:24-26; 1 Samuel 3:12-14; 2 Samuel 24:17

Families in Israel

The extended family was the basic social unit

Nehemiah 7:5 See also Leviticus 25:10; Leviticus 27:16; Numbers 2:32; Numbers 4:40

Family heads were community leaders

Numbers 36:1 See also Numbers 1:4; Numbers 31:26; 1 Kings 8:1; 2 Chronicles 1:2

Families had religious obligations

Deuteronomy 12:7 See also Exodus 12:22-23; Deuteronomy 12:11-12; 1 Samuel 1:21

Families were to teach their children God's law

Psalm 78:5-7 See also Genesis 18:19; Exodus 12:26-27; Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 1:8-9

The relationship between God and his people described in family metaphors

They are his family

Galatians 6:10 See also Amos 3:1; Ephesians 3:15; 1 Peter 4:17

They are his children

John 1:12-13 See also Deuteronomy 14:1; Isaiah 63:16; Hosea 11:1-4; Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5

They are brothers and sisters in God's family

Hebrews 2:11 See also Psalm 22:22; Isaiah 8:17-18; Matthew 12:50 pp Luke 8:21; Mark 3:31-34; Hebrews 2:12-17

The salvation of families

Good family management as a qualification for church office

1 Timothy 3:4-5 See also 1 Timothy 3:12

Christians are to support their families

1 Timothy 5:8 See also 1 Timothy 5:4

The urgent demands of the kingdom of God should take priority over family responsibilities

Luke 9:59-60 pp Matthew 8:21-22 See also Mark 3:31-34; Luke 9:61-62; Matthew 10:34-38 pp Luke 12:51-53; Micah 7:6