Hexagram 37. Household Order (家人 Jiā Rén)

Trigrams

Above

☴ Xùn (Wind) — 風 · Penetrating

Below

☲ Lí (Fire) — 火 · Radiance

Symbolic Meaning

家人 (Jiā Rén) describes internal organization—how roles and relationships are structured within a contained system. Stability arises from clarity of function and consistency of interaction.

Wind emerging from fire shows influence spreading outward from an internal source. What is established within determines how the system expresses externally.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
家人，利女貞。
(Jiā rén, lì nǚ zhēn.)

"Household order. It is favorable to maintain a stable internal role."

This describes a system that depends on clearly defined internal roles. Stability arises when each function operates consistently within its position.

The reference to the ‘female’ indicates the receptive, stabilizing role within the system—holding continuity rather than initiating change. Alignment within roles produces order.

Image

Original Chinese:
風自火出，家人。君子以言有物，行有恆。
(Fēng zì huǒ chū, jiā rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ yán yǒu wù, xíng yǒu héng.)

"Wind emerges from fire: household order. The superior person gives substance to words and constancy to conduct."

Influence spreads outward from an internal center. What is established within determines external behavior.

Consistency in expression and action maintains coherence. The system is stabilized through reliable patterns of interaction.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
閑有家，悔亡。
(Xián yǒu jiā, huǐ wáng.)

"The system is regulated at its boundaries. Regret resolves."

Order is established through controlled limits. Entry and behavior are properly managed.

This prevents disorder before it arises. Stability at the boundary removes future error.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
无攸遂，在中饋，貞吉。
(Wú yōu suì, zài zhōng kuì, zhēn jí.)

"No external pursuit. Stability is maintained at the center. Correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome."

The system focuses on internal function rather than outward expansion. Core processes are maintained.

By stabilizing the center, the entire structure remains coherent. Internal alignment takes priority over external action.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
家人嗃嗃，悔厲吉；婦子嘻嘻，終吝。
(Jiā rén hè hè, huǐ lì jí; fù zǐ xī xī, zhōng lìn.)

"Internal tension produces correction. Risk present, yet favorable outcome. Excess looseness leads to a constrained outcome."

Strictness creates friction but enforces structure. This produces long-term stability.

If the system becomes overly relaxed, roles dissolve and coherence breaks down. Balance between firmness and flexibility is required.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
富家，大吉。
(Fù jiā, dà jí.)

"The system is fully resourced. Strong favorable outcome."

Internal structure is supported by sufficient resources. All components function effectively.

When the system is both ordered and resourced, it operates with strength and stability.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
王假有家，勿恤，往吉。
(Wáng jiǎ yǒu jiā, wù xù, wǎng jí.)

"The governing authority approaches the household order. Do not be concerned. Moving forward brings favorable outcome."

The internal system aligns with a larger structure or authority. Integration occurs without conflict.

Because that alignment is secure, forward movement is supported and the next step can be taken without anxiety.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
有孚威如，終吉。
(Yǒu fú wēi rú, zhōng jí.)

"There is underlying alignment and authority is established. Ending in a favorable outcome."

The system achieves stable authority through internal coherence. Trust reinforces structure.

This produces long-term stability. Order is maintained without force.