The Bible has much to say about the relationship between siblings, both positively and negatively. It portrays siblings as a natural part of family life, offering both blessings and challenges. Scripture uses sibling relationships to teach about love, rivalry, forgiveness, and responsibility.
From the beginning, the first siblings, Cain and Abel, illustrate the destructive power of sin in family relationships. Cain’s jealousy led to the first murder (Genesis 4:8). God warned Cain beforehand in Genesis 4:7:
“Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
Despite this tragic beginning, the Bible also shows siblings supporting and loving one another. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam served together in leading Israel (Micah 6:4). Joseph forgave his brothers after years of betrayal, declaring in Genesis 50:20:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…”
The law of God affirms the value of family relationships. Deuteronomy 27:16 says:
“Cursed is the one who treats his father or his mother with contempt…”—and by extension, respect and care were expected among siblings too.
The New Testament expands on this by calling believers to treat one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. 1 John 4:20–21 applies this to family and the church:
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar… And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”
Biblical sibling relationships reflect the broader command to love our neighbor, especially within our own family. Ephesians 6:1–4 and Colossians 3:20–21 teach children and parents how to live in harmony, and this principle extends to sibling unity and mutual care.
Siblings are meant to be a source of strength, companionship, and shared faith. God desires that brothers and sisters live in love, forgiveness, and peace.
