Overview
The Bible addresses father-in-law across 14 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis and Judges. Closely related themes include Laban, Chiding, Ingratitude and Wages. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Laban, Jacob, Leah and Abraham.
Key Bible verses about father-in-law
Old Testament
Genesis
And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.
That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
Judges
And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him. friendly: Heb. to her heart
And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.
And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way. Comfort: Heb. Strengthen
And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.
And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.
And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them. until afternoon: Heb. till the day declined
And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home. draweth: Heb. is weak the day groweth to an end: Heb. it is the pitching time of the day home: Heb. to thy tent
People in the Bible and father-in-law
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying father-in-law for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 29:21, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis and Judges each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Laban, Jacob and Leah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Laban, Chiding, Ingratitude and Wages.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about father-in-law?
The Bible addresses father-in-law across 14 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis and Judges. Closely related themes include Laban, Chiding, Ingratitude and Wages. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Laban, Jacob, Leah and Abraham.
How many Bible verses are about father-in-law?
The Bible references father-in-law in 14 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention father-in-law?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 29:21: “And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with father-in-law?
Laban, Jacob, Leah, Abraham and Isaac.
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