What is family? How does the Bible define it? - Family - TouchPoints

Genesis 2:24This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

Ephesians 2:19You are members of God’s family.

James 1:18He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word.

The Bible talks about both an earthly family—made up of husband, wife, and sometimes children—and the family of God, which is all believers united together by the bond of faith.

Genesis 4:1Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!”

Husbands and wives have the privilege in joining in the continuing work of creation by producing children.

1 Chronicles 9:1All Israel was listed in the genealogical records in The Book of the Kings of Israel.

The Bible lists several genealogies, all recorded by family units, showing the family as central and fundamental to the development of people and of nations.

Proverbs 6:20My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

Nowhere can truth be more effectively taught and modeled than in the family.

Joshua 24:15“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

The family is one of God’s greatest resources for communicating truth and effecting change in any community. This change is directly related to the family’s spiritual commitment and zeal.

Psalm 127:3Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

Children are a wonderful blessing.

Ruth 4:14-17Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel.” . . . And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.

For a variety of reasons, you may not be part of the same legal family throughout your lifetime (having the same spouse, siblings, etc.). Whatever family you find yourself in, your responsibility is to love them with all your heart and model the ways of God. That kind of legacy will yield beautiful fruit for generations.