家人
Hexagram 37 · 家人
Upper trigram: 巽 · Lower trigram: 離
Jia Ren (The Family): the hexagram of dependable relationships. Make responsibilities clear and let consistent conduct give words their weight.
The image
Wind rises above fire, carrying outward an influence generated within. The inner flame gives the outer movement its source. Jia Ren means the people of a household. Its image connects the quality of close daily relationships with conduct in the wider world.
Judgment
利女貞。
The woman's constancy is beneficial.
The commentary presents household order through the roles of an ancient family. Its practical question remains useful across present-day arrangements: whether each person carries agreed responsibilities, as when partners share the daily work of care fairly.
Great Image
風自火出，家人；君子以言有物，而行有恆。
Wind comes forth from fire: The Family. The exemplary person accordingly gives words substance and conduct constancy.
Trust grows when statements are supported by repeated action. A parent promising time together gives the promise substance by regularly keeping that time available.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
閑有家，悔亡。
Setting boundaries within the household. Regret disappears.
Nine in the first place is yang establishing order before habits become fixed. The Small Image notes that intention has not yet changed, like new housemates agreeing on shared expenses before misunderstandings develop.
Line 2 · 六二
无攸遂，在中饋，貞吉。
Pursuing nothing beyond one's task, attending to food within. Constancy brings good fortune.
Six in the second place is central and correctly placed yin corresponding with the fifth yang. The Small Image praises responsive care, like any household member reliably handling an agreed share of meals and supplies.
Line 3 · 九三
家人嗃嗃，悔厲吉；婦子嘻嘻，終吝。
The household is stern and insistent. Regret and danger, yet good fortune. Wife and children laugh without restraint; in the end, humiliation.
Nine in the third place brings strong yang to household discipline. The Small Image contrasts retained order with lost measure, suggesting a parent seek clear expectations while avoiding either harshness or indifference.
Line 4 · 六四
富家，大吉。
Enriching the household. Great good fortune.
Six in the fourth place is fitting yin supporting practical prosperity. The Small Image credits responsive conduct in place, like careful household management that leaves everyone with adequate time, materials, and comfort.
Line 5 · 九五
王假有家，勿恤。吉。
The king comes to his household. Do not worry. Good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place is central yang corresponding with the second yin. The Small Image grounds its success in mutual love, like a family elder earning cooperation through care rather than status alone.
Line 6 · 上九
有孚威如，終吉。
There is sincerity joined with dignity. Good fortune in the end.
Nine at the top is yang whose authority needs inward examination. The Small Image turns attention back to the self, like a parent checking personal consistency before asking others to follow a rule.
When asking about
Career
A close team often depends on clear responsibilities and reliable conduct. Let everyday behavior support stated values.
Love
Shared life benefits from explicit agreements about care. Keep affection visible in ordinary follow-through.
Money
Household resources tend to need coordinated attention. Discuss contributions and spending expectations openly.
Home
Consistent routines can support trust across different needs. Review whether duties are fair and realistically shared.
Study
A dependable learning environment often matters. Set regular times and keep agreements with study partners.
Health
Shared routines can help protect meals, rest, and quiet time. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Begin with the relationships closest to daily life. Speak concretely, keep your commitments, and examine your own example before demanding change from others.
Related hexagrams
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Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.