Overview
The Bible addresses mother-in-law across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Ruth, Leviticus and Mark. Closely related themes include Readings, Select, Ruth, Incest and Sanitation. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Ruth.
Key Bible verses about mother-in-law
Old Testament
Leviticus
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.
Deuteronomy
Ruth
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Intreat: or, Be not against me
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
New Testament
People in the Bible and mother-in-law
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying mother-in-law for yourself
- Begin with Leviticus 18:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Ruth, Leviticus and Mark each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Ruth and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Readings, Select, Ruth, Incest and Sanitation.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about mother-in-law?
The Bible addresses mother-in-law across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Ruth, Leviticus and Mark. Closely related themes include Readings, Select, Ruth, Incest and Sanitation. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Ruth.
How many Bible verses are about mother-in-law?
The Bible references mother-in-law in 10 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention mother-in-law?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 18:17: “Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with mother-in-law?
Ruth.
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