Brother(brotherly kindness)
“One born from the same womb; kinsman”
Summary
A term used in Scripture with extensive meaning ranging from literal blood relations to fellow believers in Christ, reflecting the expanding concept of human kinship and spiritual family.
☩Natural and Family Relationships
The Hebrew word 'ach' and Greek 'adelphos' denote a brother in the natural sense, whether of the same father only, the same mother only, or both parents. The term also applies to near relatives such as nephews, as when Abraham called Lot his brother, and to cousins in general. Even a husband could be called 'brother' in certain contexts, as in Song of Solomon.
☩Tribal and National Usage
Beyond immediate family, 'brother' designated members of the same tribe, as Levites were to one another, and fellow countrymen descended from the same stock. Moses called the Israelites his 'brethren' when he saw their bondage in Egypt. Even cognate peoples were included—Israel was instructed to call Edom 'brother' because of Jacob and Esau's relationship.
☩Figurative and Metaphorical Uses
Scripture employs the term metaphorically to express likeness or moral similarity, as Job declaring himself 'a brother to jackals' in his misery. Those of equal rank or office called one another brother, as Solomon addressed Hiram king of Tyre. Friends, allies, and colleagues in ministry all shared this designation.
☩The New Brotherhood in Christ
Jesus radically redefined brotherhood. When told his mother and brothers stood outside seeking him, he gestured to his disciples and declared, 'Whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.' This new family is constituted not by natural birth but by spiritual rebirth through faith. Christ became 'the firstborn among many brethren' through his redemptive work.
☩Brotherhood as Christian Identity
The early disciples were known to one another as 'brethren' until the name 'Christian' was given at Antioch. While the Jewish schools distinguished 'brother' (blood Israelite) from 'neighbor' (proselyte) and allowed neither title to Gentiles, Christ extended 'brother' to all Christians and 'neighbor' to all the world. The love command became the badge of discipleship—'By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.'
Related Verses364 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Brother," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Brother," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Brother," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Brotherhood," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).