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 KINDREDkin'-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). 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 5443. phule -- a clan or tribe 3965. patria -- lineage, family 129. haima -- blood 5575 -- false witness. 2473. isopsuchos -- like-minded 2064. erchomai -- to come, go 5387. philostorgos -- tenderly loving 1736. endemeo -- to be in one's own country, to be at home 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 251. ach -- a brother 1353. geullah -- redemption, perhaps kin 7608. shaarah -- near kinswomen 5997. amith -- an associate, fellow, relation 4940. mishpachah -- a clan 7138. qarob -- near 7607. sheer -- flesh Library Christ's Kindred An Examination of the Kindred of Mind to Nature: Wherein, by Way ... Death of Kindred Improved. Death of Kindred Improved. Zech. 1:05 Archelaus Goes to Rome with a Great Number of his Kindred. He is ... How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the ... Good-Will Exists Especially in the Church, and Nourishes Kindred ... That Our Irrational Passions have their Rise from Kindred with ... Concerning the Flood; and after what Manner Noah was Saved in an ... The Church is Declared Heir of those who Leave no Kindred; and the ... 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) Kinswoman (4 Occurrences) Unkind (7 Occurrences) Family (438 Occurrences) Mor'decai (51 Occurrences) Pharaoh (245 Occurrences) Philosophy (1 Occurrence) Parable (52 Occurrences) Depart (211 Occurrences) Resources What is storge love? | GotQuestions.orgWhat 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 Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Kindred (41 Occurrences)Mark 6:4 Luke 1:58 Luke 1:61 Luke 2:44 Luke 14:12 Luke 21:16 Acts 4:6 Acts 7:3 Acts 7:13 Acts 7:14 Acts 7:19 Acts 10:24 Acts 14:15 Romans 9:3 Romans 16:7 Romans 16:21 2 Corinthians 11:26 Philippians 2:20 Revelation 14:6 Genesis 12:1 Genesis 24:4 Genesis 24:7 Genesis 24:38 Genesis 24:40 Genesis 24:41 Genesis 25:17 Genesis 31:3 Genesis 31:13 Genesis 32:9 Genesis 43:7 Numbers 10:30 Joshua 6:23 Ruth 2:3 Ruth 3:2 1 Chronicles 12:29 1 Chronicles 16:28 Esther 2:10 Esther 2:20 Esther 8:6 Job 32:2 Ezekiel 11:15 Subtopics Related Terms |