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Son-In-Law

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Son-In-Law in the Bible?

The son-in-law occupies a specific kinship position within the extended family structure, often involving complex social obligations and alliances in ancient Near Eastern societies.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the role of the son-in-law clarifies the social dynamics and alliance-building strategies evident in biblical narratives, such as the relationships between Jacob, Laban, and their respective families.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Son-In-Law. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Son-In-Law in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Son-In-Law clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Son-In-Law." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/soninlaw/
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