en_tw_old/bible/other/sister.md

sister, sisters

Definition:

A sister is a female person who shares at least one biological parent with another person. She is said to be that other person’s sister or the sister of that other person.

• In the New Testament, "sister" is also used figuratively to refer to a woman who is a fellow believer in Jesus Christ.
• Sometimes the phrase "brothers and sisters" is used to refer to all believers in Christ, both men and women.
• In the Old Testament book Song of Songs, "sister" refers to a female lover or spouse.

Translation Suggestions:

• It is best to translate this term with the literal word that is used in the target language to refer to a natural or biological sister, unless this would give wrong meaning.
• Other ways to translate this could include "sister in Christ" or "spiritual sister" or "woman who believes in Jesus" or "fellow woman believer."
• If possible, it is best to use a family term.
• If the language has a feminine form for "believer," this may be a possible way to translate this term.
• When referring to a lover or wife, this could be translated using a feminine form of "loved one" or "dear one."

(See also: brother in Christ, spirit)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:16-17
• Deuteronomy 27:22-23
• Philemon 01:1-3
• Romans 16:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H269, H1323, G27, G79