The meaning of Kinsman; Kinswoman in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

kinz'-man, kinz'-woom-an: Most frequently of the go'-el, the one who had a right to "redeem"; referring to the custom of avenging the blood of a slain kinsman; hence, a blood relative (Numbers 5:8; Ruth 2:20; Ruth 3:9, Ruth 3:12; Ruth 4:1, Ruth 4:3, Ruth 4:6, Ruth 4:8, Ruth 4:14; compare "performing the part of a kinsman," Ruth 3:13); in Ruth 2:1, better rendered "acquaintance." Also qarobh, one near, rendered "kinsman" (Psalms 38:11); probably better, "neighbor." Once, she'-er, "flesh kin," rendered "kinsman" (Numbers 27:11; compare Leviticus 18:6; Leviticus 25:49; Leviticus 20:19; Leviticus 21:2, rendered "kin"). suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship of varying degrees of nearness (Luke 14:12; John 18:26; Acts 10:24; Romans 9:3; Romans 16:7, Romans 16:11, Romans 16:21). Rendered "kin" in Mark 6:4.

Kinswoman:

she'er, "kin by blood," or "by flesh" (compare above; also Leviticus 18:12 f.; also compare Leviticus 18:6, "near of kin" the King James Version); also same root, ferm. form, sha'-arah (Leviticus 18:17), is thy "kinswoman." In Proverbs 7:4, "Call understanding thy kinswoman" might be more accurately rendered, "thy familiar friend," the Revised Version margin (from modha', "acquaintance"); compare similar rendering of modha'ath, under KINDRED. Luke 1:36 the Revised Version (British and American), "kinswoman" (suggenis), the King James Version "cousin" (suggenes); same is rendered "kinsfolk" (Luke 1:58 the Revised Version (British and American)).

Edward Bagby Pollard

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