In the context of the Bible, the term "cousins" refers to the children of one's aunts and uncles. While the specific term "cousin" is not frequently used in many English translations of the Bible, the concept of extended family, including cousins, is present throughout the biblical narrative. The Hebrew and Greek languages of the Bible often use broader terms for family relationships, which can encompass cousins.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, family and tribal affiliations were of great importance. The Hebrew word "אָח" (ach), often translated as "brother," can also refer to a broader range of kinship, including cousins. The extended family played a crucial role in the social and religious life of the Israelites. For example, the tribes of Israel were organized according to familial lines, and land inheritance was often kept within the extended family to preserve tribal identity.

An example of the importance of extended family can be seen in the account of Abraham and Lot. Although Lot is often referred to as Abraham's "nephew" (Genesis 11:27), the Hebrew term used can also imply a broader kinship, which would include the relationship of cousins. The close relationship between Abraham and Lot demonstrates the significance of extended family ties in biblical times.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "συγγενής" (syngenēs) is used to describe relatives, which can include cousins. This term appears in the context of familial relationships and is often translated as "kinsman" or "relative." For instance, in the Gospel of Luke, Elizabeth is described as a "relative" of Mary (Luke 1:36), and while the exact nature of their relationship is not specified, it is traditionally understood that they were cousins.

The New Testament emphasizes the spiritual family of believers, yet it also acknowledges the importance of biological family. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to his fellow Jews as "brothers" and "kinsmen," indicating a deep sense of familial connection that extends beyond immediate family to include the broader community of faith.

Cultural and Theological Significance

In biblical times, the family unit was the foundation of society, and extended family relationships, including those with cousins, were integral to maintaining social structure and religious traditions. The Bible reflects a culture where family loyalty and support were paramount, and these values are evident in the narratives and laws that govern family life.

Theologically, the concept of family in the Bible extends to the spiritual family of believers. Jesus redefined family relationships by emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological ties, as seen in passages like Matthew 12:48-50 , where He states, "Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?" pointing to His disciples and saying, "Here are My mother and My brothers."

Conclusion

While the Bible does not frequently use the specific term "cousins," the concept is embedded within the broader understanding of family and kinship. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of family, both biological and spiritual, as a reflection of God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Of Marriage Between Blood-Relations, in Regard to which the ...
... For if the grandchildren of the first pair, being now able to choose their cousins
for wives, married their sisters, then it would no longer be only two but ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 16 of marriage between blood-relations.htm

The Brethren of the Lord.
... it is with us. It sometimes means kindred, cousins, those of the same
race, and also the disciples of the Lord. Still it is not ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the brethren of the lord.htm

The General Epistle of James
... (a) That James, Joses, Simon, and Jude, mentioned in the Gospels as the "brethren"
of our Lord, were His first cousins on His mother's side. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xx the general epistle.htm

Conversion
... year. "While she was teaching," wrote one of her cousins, "my mother broke
her ankle and Clara cared for her almost a year. She ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hoskins/clara a swain md/conversion.htm

On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
... Brother and sister are in the first degree; first cousins are in the second
degree; second cousins are in the third degree. Therefore ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 36 on the third.htm

The Test of Courage
... There were two cousins of theirs who often stayed with the Kostkas; one of them
was also called Stanislaus, the other, who afterwards rose to high rank in his ...
/.../chapter vii the test of.htm

Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
... brothers, and among whom one, at least"James"had acquired great importance in the
earliest years of the development of Christianity, were his cousins-german ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ii infancy and youth.htm

The Disciples of Our Saviour.
... Over against both of them is to be mentioned a third, which assumes only two Jameses,
regarding the brethren of the Lord as his cousins, and identifying them ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xii the disciples of our.htm

Early Life
... Clara was very fond of her Aunt Post and often went home with her cousins,
staying with them days at a time. One of these cousins ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hoskins/clara a swain md/early life.htm

Early Impressions. Dangerous Books and Companions. The Saint is ...
... 3. I had some cousins; for into my father's house no others were allowed an entrance. ...
These cousins were nearly of mine own age"a little older, perhaps. ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter ii early impressions dangerous.htm

Cousins (4 Occurrences)
...Cousins (4 Occurrences). Luke 1:58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how
the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. (KJV WBS). ...
/c/cousins.htm - 7k

Relationships (1 Occurrence)
... RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY. re-la'-shun-ships: I. CONSANGUINITY 1. In General 2. Parents
and Children 3. Brothers and Sisters 4. Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Kinsmen II. ...
/r/relationships.htm - 38k

Abijah (32 Occurrences)
... Maacah married Rehoboam, the parties being second cousins on the father's side;
if they had been first cousins perhaps they would not have married. ...
/a/abijah.htm - 25k

Cousin (7 Occurrences)

/c/cousin.htm - 10k

Family (438 Occurrences)
... RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY. re-la'-shun-ships: I. CONSANGUINITY 1. In General 2. Parents
and Children 3. Brothers and Sisters 4. Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Kinsmen II. ...
/f/family.htm - 87k

Korahites (7 Occurrences)
... mentioned elsewhere. These Korahites may have been cousins of the Samuel
family, and they may have resided not very far apart. The ...
/k/korahites.htm - 20k

Nasbas
... The Itala gives "Nabal avunculus ("maternal uncle") illius"; the, Vulgate (Jerome's
Latin Bible, 390-405 AD) "Nabath consobrini ("cousins") Tobiae"; Syriac ...
/n/nasbas.htm - 7k

Neighbours (34 Occurrences)
... Neighbours (34 Occurrences). Luke 1:58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard
how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. ...
/n/neighbours.htm - 16k

Ner (17 Occurrences)
... father of Saul, and Ner, the father of Abner, were the sons of Abiel." And hence
this Kish and Ner were brothers, and Saul and Abner were first cousins (Comp. ...
/n/ner.htm - 13k

Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... and afraid of the anger of Esau, at the suggestion of Rebekah Isaac sent him away
to Haran, 400 miles or more, to find a wife among his cousins, the family of ...
/j/jacob.htm - 77k

Did Jesus have brothers and sisters (siblings)? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God allow incest in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Did Jesus have children? | GotQuestions.org

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