πενθερά
penthera (G3994)
mother-in-law
AI Word Study
The Greek word πενθερά (penthera) refers to a mother-in-law. Based on the available data, we can infer that this word is not a general term for a female family member or an old woman, but rather a specific family relationship. The word occurs six times in the Bible, suggesting its relative importance in early Christian and Jewish traditions. In the context of family relationships, the term πενθερά highlights the complex dynamics involved between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. The specific relationship between the two women, often characterized by tension and conflict, takes center stage in biblical narratives. By acknowledging the significance of this relationship, the Bible offers insights into the cultural and social structures of its time, where family ties were closely tied to marital bonds and social status.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever.
For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.
He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her.
They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”