Bible Encyclopedias
Sister

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

sis´tẽr ( אחות , 'āḥōth ): Used repeatedly in the Old Testament of a female (1) having the same parents as another; or (2) having one parent in common, with another, half-sister ( Genesis 20:12; Leviticus 18:9 ), and also (3) of a female belonging to the same family or clan as another, so a kinswoman (Genesis 24:60; Job 42:11 ); (4) also of a woman of the same country (Numbers 25:18 ). (5) Figuratively , the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, are sisters (Ezekiel 23:7 ff). (6) Confederate cities are conceived of as sisters ( Ezekiel 16:45 ff). (7) 'Āḥōth is used of objects which go in pairs, as curtains, each 'coupled to its sister' (Exodus 26:3 , Exodus 26:6 ), and of wings in pairs (Ezekiel 1:9; Ezekiel 3:13 ); (8) of virtues or conditions, with which one is closely related: "Say unto wisdom, thou art my sister" (Proverbs 7:4; compare Job 17:14 ); (9) of a lover concerning his spouse, as a term of endearment (Song of Solomon 4:9 f; Song of Solomon 5:1 f; Song of Solomon 8:8 ).

In the New Testament, ἀδελφή , adelphḗ , used (1) in sense of physical or blood kinship ( Matthew 12:50; Matthew 13:56; Matthew 19:29; Luke 10:39 f; Luke 14:26; John 11:1 ff; John 19:25; Acts 23:16 ); (2) of fellow-members in Christ: "Phoebe, our sister" (Romans 16:1; see also 1 Corinthians 7:15; 1 Timothy 5:1; James 2:15 ); (3) possibly, of a church, "thy elect sister" (2 John 1:13 ). See RELATIONSHIPS , FAMILY .