In the context of the Bible, the term "nephew" is not frequently mentioned, and its usage can sometimes differ from modern understandings. In the King James Version (KJV), the word "nephew" is used in a broader sense, often referring to a male descendant or relative, which may include grandchildren or other kin, rather than strictly the son of one's sibling as understood today. The Berean Standard Bible does not specifically use the term "nephew," but the concept can be explored through related familial relationships and biblical narratives.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew word often translated as "nephew" in older translations is "ben," which generally means "son" or "descendant." In some contexts, it can refer to a broader familial relationship. For example, in Genesis 14:14, Lot is referred to as Abram's "brother's son," which in modern terms would be considered a nephew. The BSB translates this passage as: "When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan."

Lot's relationship with Abram (later Abraham) is a significant example of a nephew-uncle relationship in the Bible. Lot's journey with Abram from Ur to Canaan and the subsequent events, including the separation due to their growing wealth and the rescue of Lot from captivity, highlight the familial bonds and responsibilities that existed between them.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek term "anepsios" is used, which more closely aligns with the modern understanding of "nephew." This term appears in Colossians 4:10, where Paul writes: "Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)" While the BSB translates "anepsios" as "cousin," it reflects the broader kinship terms used in biblical times.

Cultural and Familial Significance

In biblical times, family structures were patriarchal and extended, with strong emphasis on kinship and familial duties. Nephews, like other family members, were part of the extended household and were often involved in family affairs, inheritance, and responsibilities. The relationship between uncles and nephews could be significant, as seen in the case of Abram and Lot, where Abram took on a protective and guiding role.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of family and the responsibilities that come with familial relationships. While the specific term "nephew" may not be prevalent, the underlying principles of kinship, care, and duty are evident throughout the scriptures. These relationships are part of the broader biblical narrative that underscores the value of family and community in the life of believers.

Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ...
... 4. But what shall I say concerning the malice of an uncle who withdraws his own
nephews from the Christian warfare to drag them with himself to perdition? ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xlv circa a d 1120.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... I believe he scarcely believed his ears when his two grand-nephews, beautiful
black-haired boys, who were playing in the courtyard, ran to inform him that an ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 54.htm

Whether the Degrees of Consanguinity that are an Impediment to ...
... his brother's daughter. Therefore neither should there remain now a
prohibition in respect of nephews and uncles. On the contrary ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the degrees of consanguinity.htm

Books for Sunday Schools. --- 200 Mulberry-Street, New York. ...
... By Rev. RICHARD TREFFRY.18mo., pp.171. Price, 21 cents. UNCLE WILLIAM AND HIS
NEPHEWS. Nine Illustrations.18mo., pp.61. Price, 16 cents. ...
/.../stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/books for sunday schools -.htm

I have Cast About Widely to Find a Title for this Section...
... as a place where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest; that
is, a paradise for uncles who have turned dishonest and for nephews who are ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 12 i have cast.htm

And Joseph Having Come to a Feast with his Sons...
... has: And when Joseph, worn out with old age, died and was buried with his parents,
the blessed Mary lived with her nephews, or with the children of her sisters ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 42 and joseph having.htm

Mary During the Scourging of Our Lord.
... The sons of Simeon and of Obed, and Veronica, as also the two nephews of Joseph
of Arimathea"Aram and Themni"were in the Temple, and appeared to be ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxiii mary during the.htm

Chronological Tables to Accompany the History and Life of ...
... Theod. i.24. 335. Division of the empire between Constantine, Constantius, and Constans,
sons, and Dalmatius and Hannibalianus, nephews, of the emperor. ...
/.../chronological tables to accompany the.htm

The Precepts of the Apostle Concerning a Widow Indeed are Laid ...
... But if any widow have children or nephews, let her first learn to govern her own
house, and to requite her parents." [3309] Whence we observe that each ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii the precepts of.htm

Conversion of the Indians .
... a native of Tyre [414] , acquainted with Greek philosophy, desiring to penetrate
into the interior of India, set off for this purpose with his two young nephews ...
/.../chapter xxii conversion of the indians.htm

Nephews (3 Occurrences)
...Nephews (3 Occurrences). ... Judges 12:14 And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that
rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years. ...
/n/nephews.htm - 7k

Brethren (528 Occurrences)
... Others regard them as the nephews of Joseph whom, after the death of his brother
Clopas, he had taken into his own home, and who thus became members of his ...
/b/brethren.htm - 51k

Nephew (5 Occurrences)

/n/nephew.htm - 8k

Lord (59401 Occurrences)
... Others regard them as the nephews of Joseph whom, after the death of his brother
Clopas, he had taken into his own home, and who thus became members of his ...
/l/lord.htm - 61k

Relationships (1 Occurrence)
... and grandchildren, and ancestors and descendants in general; the latter are those
of brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts in relation to nephews and nieces ...
/r/relationships.htm - 38k

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)
... sister, and the mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel (1 Chronicles 2:16), who were
the three leading heroes of David's army, and being his nephews, they were ...
/z/zeruiah.htm - 17k

Nephi
Nephi. Nephews, Nephi. Nephilim . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHI.
ne'-fi. See NEPHTHAI. Nephews, Nephi. Nephilim . Reference Bible.
/n/nephi.htm - 6k

Tirhakah (2 Occurrences)
... three battles, entered Memphis. "The king" (Tirhakah) fled, but his sons
and nephews were made prisoners. In the latter campaign ...
/t/tirhakah.htm - 11k

Requite (42 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Timothy 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first
to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and ...
/r/requite.htm - 18k

Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)
... From this town came those famous "sons of Zeruiah," David's nephews, whose loyalty
and whose ruthless cruelty became at once a protection and a menace to their ...
/b/bethlehem.htm - 31k

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