SISTER
In the style of the Hebrews, “sister” had equal latitude with “brother.” It is used, not only for a sister by natural relation, from the same father and mother, but also for a sister by the same father only, or by the same mother only; or for any near female relative, Gen 12:13 . See BROTHER.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Sister
See Family.
Fuente: Dictionary of the Apostolic Church
Sister
Titles used to designate the members of a community of religious women, devoted to spiritual and charitable work, usually dwelling in communities, and bound by vows. In the older orders a distinction is made between choir sisters, who are obliged by rule to say the Divine Office in common, and lay sisters, who are engaged principally in caring for the temporal needs of the community. In some congregations, e.g., the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, the local superioressis called sister servant.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Sister
(, achoth’; ), a term often having, in the style of the Hebrews, equal latitude with brother (q.v.). It is used, not only for a sister by natural relation from the same father and mother, but also for a sister by the same father only, or by the same mother only, or a near relation only (Mat 13:56; Mar 6:3). Sarah is called sister to Abraham (Gen 12:13; Gen 20:12), though only his niece according to some, or sister by the father’s side according to others. By the Mosaic law (Lev 18:18) it is forbidden to wed the sister of a wife, i.e. to marry two sisters; or, according to some interpreters, to marry a second wife, having one already; literally, Thou shalt not take a wife over her sister to afflict her, as if to forbid polygamy. Sometimes the word sister expresses a resemblance of conditions and of inclinations. Thus the prophets call Jerusalem the sister of Sodom and of Samaria, because that city delighted in the imitation of their idolatry and iniquity (Jer 3:8; Jer 3:10; Eze 16:45). So Christ describes those who keep his commandments as his brothers and his sisters (Mat 12:50).
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Sister
sister (, ‘ahoth): 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 (Eze 23:7 ff). (6) Confederate cities are conceived of as sisters (Eze 16:45 ff). (7) ‘Ahoth is used of objects which go in pairs, as curtains, each ‘coupled to its sister’ (Exo 26:3, Exo 26:6), and of wings in pairs (Eze 1:9; Eze 3:13); (8) of virtues or conditions, with which one is closely related: Say unto wisdom, thou art my sister (Pro 7:4; compare Job 17:14); (9) of a lover concerning his spouse, as a term of endearment (Son 4:9 f; Son 5:1 f; Son 8:8).
In the New Testament, , adelphe, used (1) in sense of physical or blood kinship (Mat 12:50; Mat 13:56; Mat 19:29; Luk 10:39 f; Luk 14:26; Joh 11:1 ff; Joh 19:25; Act 23:16); (2) of fellow-members in Christ: Phoebe, our sister (Rom 16:1; see also 1Co 7:15; 1Ti 5:1; Jam 2:15); (3) possibly, of a church, thy elect sister (2Jo 1:13). See RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Sister
is used (a) of natural relationship, e.g., Mat 19:29; of the “sisters” of Christ, the children of Joseph and Mary after the virgin birth of Christ, e.g., Mat 13:56; (b) of “spiritual kinship” with Christ, an affinity marked by the fulfillment of the will of the Father, Mat 12:50; Mar 3:35; of spiritual relationship based upon faith in Christ, Rom 16:1; 1Co 7:15; 1Co 9:5, AV and RV marg.; Jam 2:15; Phm 1:2, RV.
Note: In Col 4:10, AV, anepsios (cp. Lat., nepos, whence Eng., “nephew”), “a cousin” (so, RV), is translated “sister’s son.” See COUSIN.
Fuente: Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words
Sister
in the style of the Hebrews, has equal latitude as brother. It is used not only for a sister by natural relation from the same father and mother, but also for a sister only by the same father or by the same mother, or a near relation only. Sarah is called sister to Abraham, Gen 12:13; Gen 20:12, though only his niece according to some, or sister by the father’s side according to others. In the law, Lev 18:18, it is forbidden to take to wife the sister of a wife; to marry two sisters; or, according to some interpreters, to marry a second wife, having one already. Literally, Thou shalt not take a wife over her sister to afflict her; as if meaning to forbid polygamy. In the Gospels, the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ are his cousins, children of the sisters of the holy virgin, Mat 13:56; Mar 6:3.
Fuente: Biblical and Theological Dictionary
Sister
Son 4:9 (b) In this verse, as well as in the rest of this beautiful, poetical book, this word is used to represent the church. It is a type of the church. Many scholars disagree on the meaning of the various expressions used in these chapters, but it is plainly a description of a love affair between the church and her Lord.
Jer 3:10 (a) The two nations, Judah and Israel, are represented in this and in other portions as being sisters of each other, as they really were (See Eze 16:46).
Eze 23:4 (a) Again the two nations of Israel and Samaria are represented as sisters, and they receive new names which describe their character.
Mat 13:56 These are really the sisters of the Lord JESUS, although the Roman church denies the plain statement of Scripture and teaches that these were really nieces, and not sisters. We do not know how many there were. The statement uses the plural word, which means more than one. Mary gave birth to at least six other children besides JESUS. She was only a virgin in the birth of the Saviour. After that she was a normal mother with her husband Joseph.