Overview
The Bible addresses nepotism across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis, 2 Samuel and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Jacob, Rameses, Abner and Ahimaaz. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Joab, Saul and Abner.
Key Bible verses about nepotism
Old Testament
Genesis
And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. according: or, as a little child is nourished: Heb. according to the little ones
2 Samuel
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; recorder: or, remembrancer, or, writer of chronicles
And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
People in the Bible and nepotism
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying nepotism for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 47:11, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis, 2 Samuel and 1 Samuel each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Joseph, Joab and Saul and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Jacob, Rameses, Abner and Ahimaaz.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about nepotism?
The Bible addresses nepotism across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis, 2 Samuel and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Jacob, Rameses, Abner and Ahimaaz. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Joab, Saul and Abner.
How many Bible verses are about nepotism?
The Bible references nepotism in 6 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention nepotism?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 47:11: “And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with nepotism?
Joseph, Joab, Saul, Abner and Amasa.
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