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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Family and Community</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/family_and_community.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/1-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/family.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Family and Community</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/f/family_and_brotherhood.htm" title="Family and Brotherhood">◄</a> Family and Community <a href="/topical/f/family_and_community_decisions.htm" title="Family and Community Decisions">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Family in the Bible</b><br><br>The concept of family is foundational in the Bible, beginning with the creation narrative in Genesis. God established the family unit with Adam and Eve, instructing them to "be fruitful and multiply" (<a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Genesis 1:28</a>). The family is portrayed as the primary social unit, responsible for the nurturing and education of children in the ways of the Lord. The importance of family is further emphasized in the Ten Commandments, where honoring one's father and mother is a key directive (<a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a>).<br><br>The patriarchal narratives in Genesis highlight the significance of family lineage and heritage. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are central figures whose familial relationships and covenants with God shape the history of Israel. The family is seen as a conduit for God's promises and blessings, as illustrated in God's covenant with Abraham: "In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed" (<a href="/genesis/22-18.htm">Genesis 22:18</a>).<br><br>In the New Testament, the family continues to hold a vital role. Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage, referencing the Genesis account: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh" (<a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5</a>). The Apostle Paul provides further instruction on family dynamics, emphasizing love, respect, and mutual submission within the household (<a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22-33</a>).<br><br><b>Community in the Bible</b><br><br>Community is another central theme in the biblical narrative. The people of Israel are depicted as a covenant community, chosen by God to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (<a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a>). The Law given to Moses includes numerous provisions for community life, emphasizing justice, compassion, and care for the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners (<a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18-19</a>).<br><br>The New Testament expands the concept of community to include the Church, the body of Christ. Believers are called to live in unity and love, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His followers. The early Church in Acts exemplifies this communal life, as they "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (<a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a>). The sharing of resources and mutual support are hallmarks of this community, as "there were no needy ones among them" (<a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34</a>).<br><br>Paul's epistles further elaborate on the nature of Christian community, urging believers to "bear one another's burdens" (<a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>) and to "encourage one another and build each other up" (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a>). The Church is described as a body with many parts, each contributing to the whole, underscoring the importance of diversity and interdependence within the community (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>).<br><br><b>Interconnection of Family and Community</b><br><br>The Bible presents family and community as interconnected entities, each reinforcing the other. The family serves as the building block of the community, while the community provides a broader context for the family to thrive. Both are seen as essential for the transmission of faith and values across generations. The biblical vision of family and community is one of mutual support, love, and commitment to God's purposes, reflecting His character and kingdom on earth.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family.htm">Family</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_and_friends.htm">Family and Friends</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_and_work.htm">Family and Work</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_conflict.htm">Family Conflict</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_inheritance.htm">Family Inheritance</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_leader.htm">Family Leader</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_love.htm">Family Love</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--be_duly_regulated.htm">Family of Saints: Be Duly Regulated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--blessed.htm">Family of Saints: Blessed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--deceivers_and_liars_should_be_removed_from.htm">Family of Saints: Deceivers and Liars should be Removed From</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--live_in_mutual_forbearance.htm">Family of Saints: Live in Mutual Forbearance</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--live_in_unity.htm">Family of Saints: Live in Unity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--punishment_of_irreligious.htm">Family of Saints: Punishment of Irreligious</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--rejoice_together_before_god.htm">Family of Saints: Rejoice Together Before God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--should_be_taught_god's_word.htm">Family of Saints: should be Taught God's Word</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--warned_against_departing_from_god.htm">Family of Saints: Warned Against Departing from God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--worship_god_together.htm">Family of Saints: Worship God Together</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_planning.htm">Family Planning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_rejection.htm">Family Rejection</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_relationship.htm">Family Relationship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_relationships.htm">Family Relationships</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_unity.htm">Family Unity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--abraham.htm">Family: Good: Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--cornelius.htm">Family: Good: Cornelius</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--crispus.htm">Family: Good: Crispus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--david.htm">Family: Good: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--jacob.htm">Family: Good: Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--jailor_of_philippi.htm">Family: Good: Jailor of Philippi</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--job.htm">Family: Good: Job</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--joshua.htm">Family: Good: Joshua</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--lazarus_of_bethany.htm">Family: Good: Lazarus of Bethany</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--lois.htm">Family: Good: Lois</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--lydia.htm">Family: Good: Lydia</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--government_of.htm">Family: Government of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in.htm">Family: Infelicity In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_ahasuerus,_on_account_of_vashti's_refusing_to_appear_before_his_drunken_courtiers.htm">Family: Infelicity in Ahasuerus, on Account of Vashti's Refusing to Appear Before his Drunken Courtiers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_david_and_michal.htm">Family: Infelicity in David and Michal</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_elkanah,_on_account_of_bigamic_feuds.htm">Family: Infelicity in Elkanah, on Account of Bigamic Feuds</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_moses_and_zipporah.htm">Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_of_abraham,_on_account_of_hagar.htm">Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_of_isaac,_on_account_of_the_disagreement_between_jacob_and_esau.htm">Family: Infelicity In of Isaac, on Account of the Disagreement Between Jacob and Esau</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_of_jacob,_the_bigamic_jealousy_between_leah_and_rachel.htm">Family: Infelicity In of Jacob, the Bigamic Jealousy Between Leah and Rachel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--instituted.htm">Family: Instituted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--persian,_domestic_customs.htm">Family: Persian, Domestic Customs</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--religion_of_the.htm">Family: Religion of The</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nourishment.htm">Nourishment (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nourish.htm">Nourish (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barren.htm">Barren (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barrenness.htm">Barrenness (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/girls.htm">Girls (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tobit.htm">Tobit</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anaharath.htm">Anaharath (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/plenty.htm">Plenty (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/milk.htm">Milk (66 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine (99 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/family.htm">Family (438 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/f/family_and_brotherhood.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Family and Brotherhood"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Family and Brotherhood" /></a></div><div id="right"><a 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