Sister

sis'-ter ('achoth): 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 (Gen 20:12; Lev 18:9), and also

(3) of a female belonging to the same family or clan as another, so a kinswoman (Gen 24:60; Job 42:11);

(4) also of a woman of the same country (Num 25:18).

(5) Figuratively, the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, are sisters (Ezek 23:7).

(6) Confederate cities are conceived of as sisters (Ezek 16:45).

(7) 'Achoth is used of objects which go in pairs, as curtains, each `coupled to its sister' (Exod 26:3; Exod 26:6), and of wings in pairs (Ezek 1:9; Ezek 3:13);

(8) of virtues or conditions, with which one is closely related: "Say unto wisdom, thou art my sister" (Prov 7:4; compare Job 17:14);

(9) of a lover concerning his spouse, as a term of endearment (Song 4:9; Song 5:1; Song 8:8).

In the New Testament, adelphe, used

(1) in sense of physical or blood kinship (Matt 12:50; Matt 13:56; Matt 19:29; Luke 10:39; Luke 14:26; John 11:1; John 19:25; Acts 23:16);

(2) of fellow-members in Christ: "Phoebe, our sister" (Rom 16:1; see also 1 Cor 7:15; 1 Tim 5:1; Jas 2:15);

(3) possibly, of a church, "thy elect sister" (2 John 1:13).

See RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY.

Edward Bagby Pollard