in the style of the Hebrews, has equal latitude as brother. It is used not only for a sister by natural relation from the same father and mother, but also for a sister only by the same father or by the same mother, or a near relation only. Sarah is called sister to Abraham, Genesis 12:13; Genesis 20:12 , though only his niece according to some, or sister by the father's side according to others. In the law, Leviticus 18:18 , it is forbidden to take to wife the sister of a wife; to marry two sisters; or, according to some interpreters, to marry a second wife, having one already. Literally, "Thou shalt not take a wife over her sister to afflict her;" as if meaning to forbid polygamy. In the Gospels, the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ are his cousins, children of the sisters of the holy virgin, Matthew 13:56; Mark 6:3 .