Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5718 mothers » 5719 mothers, responsibilities of
The fundamental importance of motherhood is recognised throughout Scripture.
Motherhood and childbirth
God plans happiness for women in motherhood
Psalm 113:9
The need for a mother's cleansing after childbirth
See also Leviticus 12:1-8; Luke 2:22-24
A mother's relationship with her children
A mother loves and cares for her children
1 Thessalonians 2:7 Paul's statement assumes that a mother's normal attitude towards her child is one of love and care. See also Luke 2:48
A mother's role as teacher
Proverbs 1:8 See also Proverbs 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:5
The responsibility to discipline children
Proverbs 29:15
The joy or sorrow of parents at their children's conduct
Proverbs 10:1 See also Proverbs 23:25
The negative influence of some mothers upon their children
2 Chronicles 22:3 See also Genesis 27:5-17; 1 Kings 22:52; Matthew 14:6-8; Matthew 20:20-22
Children's reponsibility to honour their parents
Exodus 20:12 pp Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honour” implies respect, obedience and care for the parents' needs. See also Leviticus 19:3; Matthew 19:19 pp Mark 10:19 pp Luke 18:20; Ephesians 6:1-3
This honour is due especially to mothers in old age
Proverbs 23:22
Penalties for disobeying parents
Exodus 21:15,17; Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Proverbs 20:20; Matthew 15:4-6 pp Mark 7:10-13
Sexual relations with one's mother or mother-in-law are forbidden
Leviticus 18:7; Deuteronomy 27:23
Upon marriage the mother-child relationship becomes secondary
Genesis 2:24 See also Matthew 19:5 pp Mark 10:7; Ephesians 5:31
Care for a mother-in-law
Ruth 2:11 See also Matthew 8:14-15 pp Mark 1:29-31 pp Luke 4:38
The ministry of Jesus Christ may produce conflict within families
Luke 12:53 pp Matthew 10:35-36
Following Jesus Christ involves a commitment to him even deeper than love of one's parents
Matthew 10:37 See also Luke 14:26
Jesus Christ regards those who do God's will as his own family
Matthew 12:49-50 pp Mark 3:31-35 pp Luke 8:19-21 See also Matthew 19:29 pp Mark 10:29 pp Luke 18:29-30
See also
5218 authority in home 5428 nurse 5652 babies 5663 childbirth 5668 children, responsibilities to parents 5684 fathers 5731 parents 5802 care 8209 commitment to Christ 8287 joy, experience 8299 love in relationships
