Meaning
A nephew is the son of one’s brother or sister. In older English usage, the word could also refer to a grandchild or another descendant.
Biblical Usage
The KJV uses nephew in its older English sense in certain passages. In 1 Timothy 5:4, it translates a Greek word meaning a descendant or grandchild. The passage concerns family responsibilities toward a widow.
In Isaiah 14:22, nephew appears alongside son and remnant in a declaration concerning Babylon. These occurrences should be understood according to their historical wording and context, rather than assuming that the word always has its modern meaning.
Key References
- Job 18:19 — Uses nephew in a description of the loss of descendants and family continuity.
- Isaiah 14:22 — Includes nephew in a declaration concerning Babylon’s name and descendants.
- 1 Timothy 5:4 — Refers to children or nephews in instructions about family responsibilities toward widows.
Related Terms
- Family — A group of people related by birth, marriage, or other recognised bonds.
- Descendant — A person descended from an ancestor.
- Inheritance — Property, rights, or possessions received from another.
- Household — The people belonging to a household or family unit.