In the biblical context, the term "sons-in-law" refers to the husbands of one's daughters. The role and mention of sons-in-law in the Bible provide insights into family dynamics, social customs, and moral lessons within the scriptural narrative.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable references to sons-in-law is found in the account of Lot in the book of Genesis. Lot, the nephew of Abraham, resided in the city of Sodom, which was marked by its wickedness. When God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sins, He sent two angels to rescue Lot and his family. Lot's sons-in-law, however, did not heed the warning. Genesis 19:14 states, "So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, 'Get up! Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!' But his sons-in-law thought he was joking." This passage highlights the disbelief and subsequent peril of those who fail to recognize divine warnings.

Cultural and Familial Roles

In ancient Israelite society, marriage was a significant covenant that extended familial ties and responsibilities. Sons-in-law were expected to integrate into the family structure, often taking on roles that supported and protected the family unit. The relationship between a father-in-law and his sons-in-law could be complex, involving both familial loyalty and social obligations.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The account of Lot's sons-in-law serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of heeding divine instruction. Their failure to take Lot's warning seriously resulted in their destruction along with the city of Sodom. This narrative underscores the biblical theme of judgment and salvation, illustrating the consequences of ignoring God's messages.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly focus on sons-in-law, the principles of marriage and family relationships are addressed. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the sanctity of marriage and the importance of mutual respect and love within familial relationships. Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her," highlighting the sacrificial love that should characterize marital relationships, including those involving sons-in-law.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of sons-in-law, though not extensively detailed, provides valuable insights into the familial and spiritual dynamics of ancient times. Through the narrative of Lot and the broader teachings on marriage, the Bible offers guidance on the responsibilities and moral imperatives associated with being a son-in-law.(n.) Plural of Son-in-law.2860a. chathan -- daughter's husband, bridegroom
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition daughter's husband, bridegroom NASB Word
Usage bridegroom (9), groom (1), son-in-law (8), sons-in-law (2). ...
/hebrew/2860a.htm - 5k

To an Objection that the State of Widowhood Might Indeed be ...
... dangerous than even trouble; and goes to show by examples taken from holy Scripture,
that widows may find much happiness in their children and their sons-in-law ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix to an objection.htm

Lot's Escape from a Wicked City
... Bring your sons-in-law, your sons, and daughters, and whoever you have in the city
out of this place, for we are about to destroy it, because great complaint ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/lots escape from a wicked.htm

By what Right or Agreement the Romans Obtained their First Wives.
... were opened by guile, and the enemy admitted into the town, the Forum itself was
the field of a hateful and fierce engagement of fathers-in-law and sons-in-law ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 by what right or.htm

But You Say, that You Therefore Believe Your Friend, Whose Heart ...
... Why should I now speak of the other connections, of brothers, sisters, sons-in-law,
and fathers-in-law, and of them who are joined together by any kindred or ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /3 but you say that.htm

Incidents in Scotland
... He was not at home, being gone to Edinburgh, as the King's Commissioner; but the
Countess was, with two of her daughters and both of her sons-in-law. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/incidents in scotland.htm

Lot in Sodom. Gen 13:10
... Exposed to scorn and strife; At last he left his all behind,. And fled to save his
life. In vain his sons-in-law he warned,. They thought he told his dreams; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 5 lot in sodom.htm

First Stage of Jewish Trial. Examination by Annas.
... to him first. The influence of Annas is shown by the fact that he made five
of his son and sons-in-law high priests. Annas is said ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxv first stage of jewish.htm

On the Different Functions of Modesty. ...
... also, it was an ancient custom in Rome, and in many other states as well, that
grown-up sons should not bathe with their parents, or sons-in-law with their ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xviii on the different.htm

The Malice of Antipater and Doris. Alexander is Very Uneasy on ...
... she was one that gave counsel against them, and was more harsh than a step-mother,
and one that hated the queen's sons more than is usual to hate sons-in-law. ...
/.../chapter 24 the malice of.htm

Having Shown that the Pretexts Usually Alleged for Second ...
... often guarded the resources of their husbands; and further, I think that the good
offices of a husband are usually made up for to them by sons-in-law and other ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi having shown that.htm

Sons-in-law (2 Occurrences)
Sons-in-law. Sonship, Sons-in-law. Sons's . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.)
Plural of Son-in-law. Multi-Version Concordance Sons-in-law (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/sons-in-law.htm - 7k

Daughters (246 Occurrences)
...Sons-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whoever you have in the city, bring
them out of the place: (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/daughters.htm - 39k

Joking (3 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Genesis 19:14 Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who
were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, "Get up! ...
/j/joking.htm - 7k

Jesting (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spoke unto his sons-in-law, who married his
daughters, and said: 'Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy ...
/j/jesting.htm - 7k

Jested (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his
daughters, and said, Up, go out of this place, for Jehovah will destroy the ...
/j/jested.htm - 6k

Destroying (64 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19:14 And Lot goeth out, and speaketh unto his sons-in-law, those taking
his daughters, and saith, 'Rise, go out from this place, for Jehovah is ...
/d/destroying.htm - 27k

Mocked (40 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sonsinlaw, which married his
daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy ...
/m/mocked.htm - 18k

Pledged (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Genesis 19:14 Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who
were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, "Get up! ...
/p/pledged.htm - 12k

Seriously (5 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were married to
his daughters, Come, let us go out of this place, for the Lord is about to send ...
/s/seriously.htm - 7k

Mocking (25 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19:14 And Lot goeth out, and speaketh unto his sons-in-law, those taking
his daughters, and saith, 'Rise, go out from this place, for Jehovah is ...
/m/mocking.htm - 18k

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