In biblical terms, a son-in-law is the husband of one's daughter. The role and relationships of sons-in-law are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, reflecting the cultural and familial dynamics of ancient times.

Old Testament References

1. Lot's Sons-in-law: One of the earliest mentions of sons-in-law is found in the account of Lot in the book of Genesis. When God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness, Lot was warned by angels to flee the city with his family. Lot went out to speak to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, urging them to leave the city. However, they thought he was joking and did not heed his warning. As a result, they perished in the destruction of the city (Genesis 19:12-14).

2. Moses and Jethro: Another significant mention is the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. Moses married Zipporah, Jethro's daughter, after fleeing Egypt. Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a priest of Midian and played a crucial role in advising Moses on governance and leadership. This relationship highlights the respect and mutual benefit that can exist between a man and his son-in-law (Exodus 3:1; 18:1-27).

3. David and Saul: The relationship between David and King Saul is another example, though fraught with tension. David became Saul's son-in-law by marrying Michal, Saul's daughter. Despite this familial bond, Saul's jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity led to a complex and adversarial relationship. This narrative illustrates the potential for conflict within family dynamics, even among those bound by marriage (1 Samuel 18:20-29).

Cultural and Familial Dynamics

In ancient Israelite society, marriage was not only a union between individuals but also a joining of families. Sons-in-law were expected to integrate into their wives' families, often taking on responsibilities and roles that supported the family unit. The relationship between a man and his son-in-law could significantly impact family alliances, inheritance, and social standing.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on the role of sons-in-law, the familial relationships and responsibilities remain an underlying theme. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize love, respect, and mutual submission within family structures, which would naturally extend to the relationship between a man and his son-in-law (Ephesians 5:21-33).

Conclusion

The role of a son-in-law in biblical times was multifaceted, involving familial loyalty, respect, and sometimes tension. These relationships were integral to the social and familial fabric of ancient Israel and continue to offer insights into the importance of family bonds and responsibilities.(n.) The husband of one's daughter; a man in his relationship to his wife's parents.SON-IN-LAW

See RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY.

5741. Adriel -- "my help is God," son-in-law of Saul
... 5740b, 5741. Adriel. 5742 . "my help is God," son-in-law of Saul. Transliteration:
Adriel Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ree-ale') Short Definition: Adriel. ...
/hebrew/5741.htm - 6k

2859. chathan -- make oneself a daughter's husband
... 2858, 2859. chathan. 2860 . make oneself a daughter's husband. Transliteration:
chathan Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-than') Short Definition: son-in-law. ...
/hebrew/2859.htm - 6k

2860. chathan -- daughter's husband, bridegroom
... daughter's husband, bridegroom. Transliteration: chathan Phonetic Spelling:
(khaw-thawn') Short Definition: bridegroom. bridegroom, husband, son in law ...
/hebrew/2860.htm - 5k

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

But the Other Maximian Galerius, Chosen by Diocletian for his Son ...
... Chap. IX. But the other Maximian Galerius, chosen by Diocletian for his
son-in-law? But the other Maximian (Galerius), chosen ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap ix but the other.htm

Ep. cxliv. Verianus, a Citizen of Nazianzus, had Been Offended by ...
... Division III. Miscellaneous Letters. Ep. CXLIV. Verianus, a citizen of
Nazianzus, had been offended by his son-in-law? (Verianus ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep cxliv verianus a citizen.htm

Laban had Two Daughters, Leah and Rachel; but Leah had Tender Eyes ...
... returning to his father, when Laban his father-in-law had given him a portion of
the flock as a reward for his service, and Jacob the son-in-law, thinking him ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ix laban had two.htm

Then Maximian Returned into Gaul; and after Having Made Some Stay ...
... into Gaul, with a heart full of wickedness, and intending by treacherous devices
to overreach Constantine, who was not only his own son-in-law, but also the ...
/.../chap xxix then maximian returned.htm

Maximian, Having Thus Forfeited the Respect Due to an Emperor and ...
... However, to prevent suspicion, he accosted them, and said that he had had
a dream which he wished to communicate to his son-in-law. ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxx maximian having thus.htm

What Manner of Life and Death the Roman Kings Had.
... predecessor's sons. Servius Tullius was foully murdered by his son-in-law
Tarquinius Superbus, who succeeded him on the throne. Nor ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 15 what manner of life.htm

By what Right or Agreement the Romans Obtained their First Wives.
... The war of C??sar and Pompey was the contest of only one father-in-law with one
son-in-law; and before it began, the daughter of C??sar, Pompey's wife, was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 by what right or.htm

Archelaus Procures a Reconciliation Between Alexander Pheroras ...
... And now it was that Archelaus came hastily into Judea, as being affrighted for his
son-in-law and his daughter; and he came as a proper assistant, and in a ...
/.../chapter 25 archelaus procures a.htm

How Simon Confederated Himself with Antiochus Pius, and Made War ...
... War Against Trypho, And A Little Afterward, Against Cendebeus, The General Of
Antiochus's Army; As Also How Simon Was Murdered By His Son-In-Law Ptolemy, And ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how simon confederated.htm

The Hatred of the King Towards Him Increased Daily...
... He was so much changed from his former ferocious character, that no one could now
have thought he would make any further attempt against his son-in-law. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxxv the hatred of.htm

Soninlaw
Soninlaw. Songstresses, Soninlaw. Son-in-law . Int. ...SON-IN-LAW. See RELATIONSHIPS,
FAMILY. Songstresses, Soninlaw. Son-in-law . Reference Bible.
/s/soninlaw.htm - 6k

Son-in-law (14 Occurrences)
Son-in-law. Soninlaw, Son-in-law. Sons . Noah Webster's Dictionary ... (WEB JPS
ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Soninlaw, Son-in-law. Sons . Reference Bible
/s/son-in-law.htm - 11k

King's (375 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul: 'Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's
family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?' (See NAS NIV ...
/k/king's.htm - 46k

In-law (2 Occurrences)
... him. Therefore Saul said to David, "You shall this day be my son-in-law
a second time." (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/in-law.htm - 7k

Riseth (165 Occurrences)
... to pass, on the fourth day, that they rise early in the morning, and he riseth to
go, and the father of the young woman saith unto his son-in-law, 'Support thy ...
/r/riseth.htm - 37k

Pleased (172 Occurrences)
... Talk with David secretly, and say,'Behold, the king has delight in you, and all
his servants love you: now therefore be the king's son-in-law.'" (See NIV). ...
/p/pleased.htm - 36k

Kinsfolk (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul: 'Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's
family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?' (See RSV). ...
/k/kinsfolk.htm - 10k

Jehohanan (9 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn to him, because he was the
son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the ...
/j/jehohanan.htm - 12k

Joiada (5 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 13:28 One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was
son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me. ...
/j/joiada.htm - 8k

Jehoha'nan (8 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the
son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the ...
/j/jehoha'nan.htm - 8k

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org

What should Christians learn from the Mosaic Law? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God? | GotQuestions.org

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