Bible Dictionaries
Sister

Holman Bible Dictionary

Female sibling counterpart to brother (Genesis 29:13; Genesis 30:1 ,Genesis 30:1,30:8 ). In patriarchal times it was permissible to marry a sister (Genesis 20:12 ). Sister was also used of people held in special esteem as a counterpart to brotherly affection (Song of Song of Solomon 4:9; Song of Song of Solomon 8:8 ). Christian women who proved helpful and assisted the church to live like family were called “sister” (Romans 16:1-2 ). Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus, were well known as friends and supporters of Jesus. Jesus said, “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” (Mark 3:35 ). See Family; Women.