Kindred
Jump to: ISBEWebster'sConcordanceThesaurusGreekHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:
The term "kindred" in the Bible generally refers to one's family, relatives, or clan. It encompasses the broader family unit beyond the immediate household, including extended family members and sometimes even the tribe or nation. The concept of kindred is significant in biblical narratives, as it often relates to inheritance, land rights, and social responsibilities.

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "kindred" is "mishpachah," which can mean family, clan, or tribe. The importance of kindred is evident in the patriarchal narratives, where family lineage and tribal affiliations are crucial. For example, in Genesis 24:4, Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kindred: "but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac" . This highlights the importance of maintaining familial and cultural ties.

The concept of kindred also plays a role in the laws concerning the redemption of property and the levirate marriage, as seen in the Book of Ruth. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, marries Ruth to preserve the family line and property of Elimelech, Ruth's deceased father-in-law (Ruth 4:9-10).

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, the Greek word "suggenes" is used to denote kindred or relatives. The emphasis on kindred relationships continues, though the focus shifts somewhat with the advent of the Christian community. Jesus redefines familial bonds in a spiritual sense, emphasizing the family of God over biological ties. In Matthew 12:50, Jesus states, "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" .

Despite this spiritual redefinition, the New Testament still acknowledges the importance of caring for one's family. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" .

Theological Significance:
Theologically, the concept of kindred underscores the importance of community and relational bonds in God's design for humanity. The family unit is seen as a microcosm of the larger community of faith. The Bible presents kindred relationships as a means of preserving faith, culture, and divine promises across generations.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, kindred ties are both a source of blessing and a potential source of conflict. The accounts of Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers illustrate the complexities of familial relationships. Yet, these narratives also demonstrate God's sovereignty and redemptive purposes working through family dynamics.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kindred relationships were foundational to social structure. Families were responsible for the welfare of their members, and kinship ties often determined one's social and economic status. Marriages were frequently arranged within the kindred to strengthen family alliances and preserve property within the clan.

The biblical emphasis on kindred reflects these cultural realities while also pointing to a higher spiritual truth. The family of God, as revealed in the New Testament, transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, uniting believers as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Conclusion:
The biblical concept of kindred is multifaceted, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. It highlights the importance of family and community in God's plan, while also pointing to the ultimate kinship found in the body of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) Relationship by birth or marriage; consanguinity; affinity; kin.

2. (n.) Relatives by blood or marriage, more properly the former; relations; persons related to each other.

3. (a.) Related; congenial; of the like nature or properties; as, kindred souls; kindred skies; kindred propositions.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KINDRED

kin'-dred: Several words are rendered "kindred" in the King James Version. 'ach, "brother," was used loosely among Hebrews for a member of the same tribe or family, a relative; and is once translated "kindred" (1 Chronicles 12:29 the King James Version). Once also somewhat loosely as the translation of modha`ath, literally, "acquaintance" (Ruth 3:2; compare same root in 2:1, rendered "kinsman"); once, for the, figurative expression, "men of thy redemption" (ge'ullah, referring to the law of the redemption of land by kinsmen, Leviticus 25:25). The two most common words for kindred are: (1) moledheth, "related by birth" (Genesis 12:1; Genesis 24:4, 7; 31:3, 13; 32:09:00; 43:7 Numbers 10:30 Esther 2:10, 20; Esther 8:6); (2) mishpachah, "family" (Genesis 24:38, 40, 41 Joshua 6:23 Ruth 2:3 1 Chronicles 16:28 Job 32:2 Psalm 22:27; Psalm 96:7).

In the New Testament (several times), genos, "kindred by birth," so, of same family, tribe or race (Acts 4:6; Acts 7:13, 19 the Revised Version (British and American) "race"); so also suggeneia (Luke 1:61 Acts 7:3, 14). In the King James Version phule, "tribe," rendered "kindred" (Revelation 1:7; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:9; Revelation 11:9; Revelation 13:7; 14:6), but better "tribe" as in the Revised Version (British and American). patria, rendered "kindred" in Acts 3:25, is better "families," as in the Revised Version (British and American).

Edward Bagby Pollard

Greek
4772. suggeneia -- kinship, hence kinfolk, relatives
... kinfolk, relatives. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: suggeneia Phonetic
Spelling: (soong-ghen'-i-ah) Short Definition: kindred, family Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4772.htm - 6k

4561. sarx -- flesh
... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sarx Phonetic Spelling: (sarx) Short Definition:
flesh, body Definition: flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4561.htm - 8k

5443. phule -- a clan or tribe
... kindred, tribe. From phuo (compare phullon); an offshoot, ie Race or clan -- kindred,
tribe. see GREEK phuo. see GREEK phullon. (phulai) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5443.htm - 7k

3965. patria -- lineage, family
... tribe. Word Origin from pater Definition lineage, family NASB Word Usage
families (1), family (2). lineage, family, kindred. As if ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3965.htm - 6k

129. haima -- blood
... literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially
(the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred -- blood. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/129.htm - 6k

5575 -- false witness.
... false witness. From pseudes and a kindred form of martus; a spurious witness, ie
Bearer of untrue testimony -- false witness. see GREEK pseudes. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5575.htm - 6k

2473. isopsuchos -- like-minded
... conviction. See also 2 Pet 1:1.]. Word Origin from isos and psuche Definition
like-minded NASB Word Usage kindred spirit (1). like minded. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2473.htm - 7k

2064. erchomai -- to come, go
... Middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the
others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) eleuthomai el-yoo'-thom ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2064.htm - 12k

5387. philostorgos -- tenderly loving
... From philos and storge (cherishing one's kindred, especially parents or children);
fond of natural relatives, ie Fraternal towards fellow Christian -- kindly ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5387.htm - 7k

1736. endemeo -- to be in one's own country, to be at home
... in," intensifying 1218 , "people bonded together by a particular identity") -- properly,
be present (), as amongst one's own type of (kindred, related) people. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1736.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew
4138. moledeth -- kindred, birth, offspring
... moledeth. 4139 . kindred, birth, offspring. Transliteration: moledeth Phonetic
Spelling: (mo-leh'-deth) Short Definition: birth. ... begotten, born, issue, kindred ...
/hebrew/4138.htm - 6k

4130. modaath -- kindred, kinship
... modaath or modaath. 4131 . kindred, kinship. Transliteration: modaath or modaath
Phonetic Spelling: (mo-dah'-ath) Short Definition: kinsman. ... kindred. ...
/hebrew/4130.htm - 6k

251. ach -- a brother
... nephew* (2), other (7), relative (7), relatives (80). another, brotherly;
kindred, like, other. A primitive word; a brother (used in ...
/hebrew/251.htm - 6k

1353. geullah -- redemption, perhaps kin
... rights (1), right of redemption (3). kindred, redeem, redemption, right.
Feminine passive participle of ga'al; redemption (including ...
/hebrew/1353.htm - 6k

7608. shaarah -- near kinswomen
... Word Origin fem. of sheer, qv. near kinswomen Feminine of sh'er; female kindred
by blood -- near kinswomen. see HEBREW sh'er. 7607, 7608. shaarah. 7609 . ...
/hebrew/7608.htm - 5k

5997. amith -- an associate, fellow, relation
... another, fellow, neighbor. From a primitive root meaning to associate; companionship;
hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man -- another, fellow, neighbour. ...
/hebrew/5997.htm - 6k

4940. mishpachah -- a clan
... 170), family (120), kinds (1), relatives (4), tribes (1). family, kindred.
From shaphah (compare shiphchah); a family, ie Circle of ...
/hebrew/4940.htm - 6k

7138. qarob -- near
... Or qarob {kaw-robe'}; from qarab; near (in place, kindred or time) -- allied, approach,
at hand, + any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin ...
/hebrew/7138.htm - 6k

7607. sheer -- flesh
... From sha'ar; flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any
kind; figuratively, kindred by blood -- body, flesh, food, (near) kin(-sman ...
/hebrew/7607.htm - 6k

Library

Christ's Kindred
... CHRIST'S KINDRED. 'There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing
without, sent unto Him, calling Him.32. And the multitude ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs kindred.htm

An Examination of the Kindred of Mind to Nature: Wherein, by Way ...
... III."Philosophical Works. VI. An examination of the kindred of mind to nature: wherein,
by way of digression, is refuted the doctrine of the Anomoeans . ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/vi an examination of the.htm

Death of Kindred Improved.
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:47. [Supplement.] Death of kindred improved. 1 Must
friends and kindred drop and die? And helpers be withdrawn? ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 1 47 supplement death of.htm

Death of Kindred Improved. Zech. 1:05
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 47 Death of kindred improved.
Zech. 1:5. CM Death of kindred improved. Zech.1:5. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 47 death of kindred.htm

Archelaus Goes to Rome with a Great Number of his Kindred. He is ...
... CHAPTER 2. Archelaus Goes To Rome With A Great Number Of His Kindred. He
Is There Accused Before Caesar By Antipater; But Is Superior ...
/.../chapter 2 archelaus goes to.htm

How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the ...
... How Antipater Is Hated Of All Men; And How The King Espouses The Sons Of Those That
Had Been Slain To His Kindred; But That Antipater Made Him Change Them For ...
/.../chapter 28 how antipater is.htm

Good-Will Exists Especially in the Church, and Nourishes Kindred ...
... Good-will exists especially in the Church, and nourishes kindred virtues.?
Good-will exists especially in the Church, and nourishes kindred virtues. 170. ...
/.../works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxxiii good-will exists especially.htm

That Our Irrational Passions have their Rise from Kindred with ...
... III."Philosophical Works. XVIII. That our irrational passions have their
rise from kindred with irrational nature. 1. For I think ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xviii that our irrational passions.htm

Concerning the Flood; and after what Manner Noah was Saved in an ...
... CHAPTER 3. Concerning The Flood; And After What Manner Noah Was Saved In An Ark,
With His Kindred, And Afterwards Dwelt In The Plain Of Shinar. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 concerning the flood.htm

The Church is Declared Heir of those who Leave no Kindred; and the ...
... Book II. Chapter XXXVI."The Church is declared Heir of those who leave
no Kindred; and the Free Gifts of such Persons Confirmed. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxvi the church is declared.htm

Thesaurus
Kindred (41 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Related; congenial; of the like nature or properties; as, kindred souls;
kindred skies; kindred propositions. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KINDRED. ...
/k/kindred.htm - 21k

Kinsman (29 Occurrences)
... suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship
of varying degrees of nearness (Luke 14:12 John 18:26 Acts 10:24 Romans 9:3 ...
/k/kinsman.htm - 19k

Kinswoman (4 Occurrences)
... suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship
of varying degrees of nearness (Luke 14:12 John 18:26 Acts 10:24 Romans 9:3 ...
/k/kinswoman.htm - 10k

Unkind (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Having no race or kindred; childless. 2. (a.)
Not kind; contrary to nature, or the law of kind or kindred; unnatural. ...
/u/unkind.htm - 8k

Family (438 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Those who descend from one common progenitor; a tribe, clan, or race; kindred;
house; as, the human family; the family of Abraham; the father of a ...
/f/family.htm - 87k

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Esther 2:10 Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for
Mordecai had charged her that she should not tell it. (See RSV). ...
/m/mor'decai.htm - 20k

Pharaoh (245 Occurrences)
... They were of Semitic origin, and of kindred blood accordingly with Abram. They
were probably driven forward by the pressure of the Hittites. ...
/p/pharaoh.htm - 60k

Philosophy (1 Occurrence)
... Each was surrounded by a court of spiritual beings kindred to himself, his messengers
and agents in the world (see PERSIAN RELIGION (ANCIENT)). ...
/p/philosophy.htm - 27k

Parable (52 Occurrences)
... The etymological features of the word, as well as the relation of parables to other
and kindred devices of style, are discussed more fully by Ed. ...
/p/parable.htm - 38k

Depart (211 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Acts 7:3 And said to him, Depart from thy country,
and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee. ...
/d/depart.htm - 36k

Resources
What is storge love? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Abraham and Lot? | GotQuestions.org

Why was Abraham promised land that belonged to others (Genesis 12)? | GotQuestions.org

Kindred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Kindred (41 Occurrences)

Mark 6:4
But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kindred, and in his own house.
(WBS YLT)

Luke 1:58
and the neighbours and her kindred heard that the Lord was making His kindness great with her, and they were rejoicing with her.
(YLT)

Luke 1:61
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
(KJV ASV WBS YLT RSV)

Luke 2:44
and, having supposed him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and were seeking him among the kindred and among the acquaintances,
(YLT)

Luke 14:12
And he said also to him who did call him, 'When thou mayest make a dinner or a supper, be not calling thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kindred, nor rich neighbours, lest they may also call thee again, and a recompense may come to thee;
(YLT)

Luke 21:16
And ye shall be delivered up also by parents, and brothers, and kindred, and friends, and they shall put of you to death;
(YLT)

Acts 4:6
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
(KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Acts 7:3
And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Acts 7:13
And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Acts 7:14
Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Acts 7:19
The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Acts 10:24
and on the morrow they did enter into Cesarea; and Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his kindred and near friends,
(YLT)

Acts 14:15
We also are but men, with natures kindred to your own; and we bring you the Good News that you are to turn from these unreal things, to worship the ever-living God, the Creator of earth and sky and sea and of everything that is in them.
(WEY)

Romans 9:3
for I was wishing, I myself, to be anathema from the Christ -- for my brethren, my kindred, according to the flesh,
(YLT)

Romans 16:7
salute Andronicus and Junias, my kindred, and my fellow-captives, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.
(YLT)

Romans 16:21
Salute you do Timotheus, my fellow-workman, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kindred;
(YLT)

2 Corinthians 11:26
journeyings many times, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from kindred, perils from nations, perils in city, perils in wilderness, perils in sea, perils among false brethren;
(YLT)

Philippians 2:20
For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.
(See NAS)

Revelation 14:6
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
(KJV WBS)

Genesis 12:1
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee:
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Genesis 24:4
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Genesis 24:7
The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.
(KJV WBS)

Genesis 24:38
But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)

Genesis 24:40
And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house:
(KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)

Genesis 24:41
Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)

Genesis 25:17
These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people.
(See RSV)

Genesis 31:3
And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Genesis 31:13
I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Genesis 32:9
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Genesis 43:7
And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Numbers 10:30
And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Joshua 6:23
And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Ruth 2:3
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
(KJV WBS)

Ruth 3:2
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
(KJV DBY WBS)

1 Chronicles 12:29
And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
(KJV WBS)

1 Chronicles 16:28
Give unto the LORD, ye kindred of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Esther 2:10
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Esther 2:20
Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Job 32:2
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
(KJV WBS)

Ezekiel 11:15
Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Kindred

Related Terms

Kindred (41 Occurrences)

Graves (37 Occurrences)

Wail (50 Occurrences)

Kinds (110 Occurrences)

Tongue (160 Occurrences)

Tongues (67 Occurrences)

Government (20 Occurrences)

Languages (36 Occurrences)

Kindnesses
Top of Page
Top of Page