Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "mother-in-law" refers to the mother of one's spouse. The role and relationship of a mother-in-law are mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, providing insight into family dynamics and cultural norms of ancient times.Old Testament References 1. Ruth and Naomi: One of the most notable mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships in the Bible is that of Naomi and Ruth. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem from Moab. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, famously pledges her loyalty to Naomi, saying, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). This relationship exemplifies loyalty, love, and the integration of a foreigner into the Israelite community. 2. Moses and Jethro: Although not directly about a mother-in-law, the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro, provides context for family relations. Jethro offers Moses wise counsel on leadership and governance (Exodus 18:17-24), indicating the respect and influence in-law relationships could hold. New Testament References 1. Jesus and Peter's Mother-in-Law: In the Gospels, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, who was suffering from a fever. "When Jesus came into Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them" (Matthew 8:14-15). This miracle highlights Jesus' compassion and the immediate response of service from Peter's mother-in-law upon her healing. 2. Family Division: Jesus speaks about the potential for division within families due to allegiance to Him, stating, "For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’" (Matthew 10:35). This passage underscores the profound impact of faith on family relationships, including those with in-laws. Cultural and Social Context In ancient Israelite society, family structures were patriarchal, and the extended family played a crucial role in social and economic life. The mother-in-law often held a position of authority and influence within the household. The integration of daughters-in-law into the family was significant, as they were expected to leave their own families and become part of their husband's family unit. The biblical portrayal of mother-in-law relationships varies, reflecting both harmonious and challenging dynamics. The account of Ruth and Naomi is celebrated for its positive depiction of mutual support and devotion, while other passages acknowledge the potential for conflict and division. Theological Implications The Bible's references to mothers-in-law offer insights into God's design for family relationships, emphasizing themes of loyalty, love, and the transformative power of faith. The interactions between mothers-in-law and their children-in-law serve as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds and the call to live out one's faith within the family context. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MOTHER-IN-LAWThesaurus MotherinlawMotherinlaw. Mother-in, Motherinlaw. Mother-in-law . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ... See RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY. Mother-in, Motherinlaw. Mother-in-law ... /m/motherinlaw.htm - 6k Mother-in-law (16 Occurrences) Mother-in (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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