Overview
The Bible addresses families across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, John and Psalms. Closely related themes include Lazarus, Psalms, Criminals and Family. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Lazarus, Jesus, Joseph and Martha.
Key Bible verses about families
Old Testament
Genesis
So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. kindly: Heb. to their hearts
Psalms
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
New Testament
John
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Acts
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
People in the Bible and families
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying families for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 50:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis, John and Psalms each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Lazarus, Jesus and Joseph and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Lazarus, Psalms, Criminals and Family.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about families?
The Bible addresses families across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, John and Psalms. Closely related themes include Lazarus, Psalms, Criminals and Family. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Lazarus, Jesus, Joseph and Martha.
How many Bible verses are about families?
The Bible references families in 18 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention families?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 50:17: “So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with families?
Lazarus, Jesus, Joseph and Martha.
Preach & teach
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