חֹתֵן (cho.ten)
cho.ten
relative; be related
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun cho.ten primarily denotes a son-in-law, specifically the husband of one’s daughter. However, its usage extends significantly to describe the father-in-law or mother-in-law, covering both the wife’s parents and the husband’s parents in various contexts. This broad application reflects the close kinship ties that defined ancient Israelite family structures, where marital bonds created immediate and significant legal and social connections between two households.
The word appears thirty-two times in the Hebrew Bible, with notable occurrences in Exodus, Judges, and 1 Samuel. For instance, it is used to describe Jethro’s relationship with Moses, illustrating how a father-in-law could serve as both a mentor and a legal authority figure. The term also captures the complex dynamics of extended family life, where relationships with in-laws were central to social stability and identity.
Its etymological root suggests a connection to making oneself a son-in-law, highlighting the active nature of these familial bonds. Translators often render cho.ten as "father-in-law" or "son-in-law" depending on context, but the underlying Hebrew concept encompasses a wider network of in-law relationships. This flexibility underscores the importance of kinship in biblical narratives, where family connections often drive plot and character development.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, family ties were not just emotional bonds but vital networks of protection and identity. The Hebrew word cho.ten refers to an in-law, a relationship that bridged two distinct households. This connection carried significant weight, creating mutual obligations and shared responsibilities between people who were not blood relatives by birth but by marriage.
We see this clearly in the story of Moses and Jethro. When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, his father-in-law played a crucial role in offering wisdom and support. Jethro did not merely visit; he helped organize leadership and offered sacrifices to God alongside Moses. This shows how extended family can become partners in faith and practical service.
For you, this word reminds us that our relationships extend beyond the nuclear family. The people we marry into or who marry into our lives are part of a larger spiritual community. Honoring these connections often brings stability and wisdom to our own journeys. It is an invitation to value the bonds that unite us with others in shared purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] father-in-law of10×
- father-in-law/ his8×
- to/ father-in-law/ his2×
- to/ be son-in-law2×
- and/ he became son-in-law2×
- you will intermarry1×
- you will be a son-in-law1×
- mother-in-law/ his1×
- father-in-law/ your1×
- be son-in-law1×
- and/ you will intermarry1×
- and/ to/ intermarry1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֹתֵ֣ן5×
- חֹתֵ֥ן4×
- לְ/הִתְחַתֵּ֖ן2×
- חֹתְנ֑/וֹ2×
- חֹֽתְנ֗/וֹ2×
- תִּתְחַתֵּ֥ן1×
- תִתְחַתֵּ֖ן1×
- לְ/חֹתְנ֑/וֹ1×
- לְ/חֹ֣תְנ֔/וֹ1×
- חֹתֶנְ/ךָ֥1×
- חֹתֵ֨ן1×
- חֹתְנ֣/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 18:1
Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt.
This verse introduces Jethro as Moses' father-in-law, establishing his identity as a priest who observes God's works.
-
Exodus 18:7
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.
Moses meets Jethro with honor and peace, showing the respect due to this key familial relationship.
-
Exodus 18:24
So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said.
Moses listens to his father-in-law's advice on governance, demonstrating how in-laws can provide practical wisdom.