Brother

VIEW:45 DATA:01-04-2020
BROTHER.—See Family, and Brethren of the Lord.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909


Includes, besides sons of the same parents, cousins and near relatives, as a nephew (Gen_13:8; Gen_14:16; Deu_25:5-6 margin). One of the same tribe (2Sa_19:12). Of the same or a kindred people (Exo_2:11; Num_20:14). A friend (Job_6:15). A fellow man (Lev_19:17). "A brother to (i.e. a fellow on a level with) the dragons" or "jackals" (Job_30:29). As the outer pagan world knew believers by the name "Christian," so they know one another by the name "brethren" (Act_11:26; Act_26:28; 1Pe_4:16; compare Mat_25:40; Act_11:29). The Jews distinguished a "brother" as an Israelite by birth, and a "neighbor" a proselyte, and allowed neither title to the Gentiles. But Christ applied "brother" to all Christians, and "neighbor" to all the world (1Co_5:11; Luk_10:29-30). The arguments for the "brethren" of Jesus (James, Joses, Simon, and Judas) mentioned in Mat_13:56 being literally His brothers, born of Joseph and Mary, are:
(1) their names are always connected with Mary, "His brethren" is the phrase found nine times in the Gospels, once in Acts (Act_1:14);
(2) nothing is said to imply that the phrase is not to be taken literally. But:
(1) "My brethren" is found in the wide sense (Mat_28:10; Joh_20:17).
(2) If Joseph had been their father, they would have been some one time at least designated in the usual mode "sons of Joseph." The statement that. His "brethren did not believe in Him" (Joh_7:5) may refer to His near relations generally, excepting the two apostles James (who is expressly called "the Lord's brother," Gal_1:19) and Jude (Jud_1:1). In Act_1:14 His "brethren," as distinct from the apostles, may refer to Simon and Joses and other near relatives. It is not likely there would be two pairs of brothers named alike, of such eminence; James and Jude. His brethren are, most probably, the writers of the epistles.
(3) It is expressly stated that Mary, wife of Cleophas and sister of the Virgin Mary (Joh_19:25), had sons, of whom James and Joses are named (Mat_27:56; Mar_15:40). How unlikely that two mothers of the same name, Mary the Virgin and her sister, should have sons also bearing the same names.
(4) If the Virgin had had sons of her own, Jesus would not have given her in charge to John (Joh_19:26), who was not a relative.
(5) It is a fitting thing that in Jesus the line of David should have its final consummation. The naming of Jesus' brethren with His virgin mother so often may be because Jesus and she took up their abode at the home of Mary, the Virgin's sister, after Joseph's death; for that he soon died appears from his name being never mentioned after Luke 2. Hence the cousins would grow up as brothers. The very difficulty implies the absence of collusion or mythical origin in the gospel narrative.
"Firstborn son" (Mat_1:25) does not imply that any sons were born of the Virgin afterwards, but that none were born before Him. Exo_13:2 defines "the firstborn" "whatsoever openeth the womb": whether other children followed or not. "Knew her not until" does not necessarily imply he even then knew her; compare Gen_28:15, "I will not leave thee until I have done," not meaning He would leave Jacob even then. The main truth asserted is the virginity of Mary up to Jesus' birth. What was afterward is not dearly revealed, being of less consequence to us.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.


Brother. The Hebrew word is used in various senses in the Old Testament, as,
1. Any kinsman, and not a mere brother; that is, nephew, Gen_13:8; Gen_14:16, husband, Son_4:9.
2. One of the same tribe. 2Sa_19:13.
3. Of the same people, Exo_2:11, or even, of a cognate people. Num_20:14.
4. An ally. Amo_1:9.
5. Any friend, Job_5:15.
6. One of the same office. 1Ki_9:13.
7. A fellow man. Lev_19:17.
Metaphorically, of any similarity, as in Job_30:19. The Greek word, adelphos, has a similar range of meanings, in the New Testament.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863


1. A brother by the same mother, a uterine brother, Mat_4:21; Mat_20:20. 2. A brother, though not by the same mother, Mat_1:2. 3. A near kinsman, a cousin, Mat_13:55; Mar_6:3. Observe, that in Mat_13:55, James, and Joses, and Judas, are called the αδελφοι, brethren, of Christ, but were most probably only his cousins by his mother's side; for James and Joses were the sons of Mary, Mat_27:56; and James and Judas, the sons of Alpheus, Luk_6:15-16; which Alpheus is therefore probably the same with Cleopas, the husband of Mary, sister to our Lord's mother, Joh_19:25.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.


Among the peoples of Bible times the word ‘brother’ had a wide meaning. Its obvious and most common meaning was to those who were children of the same parents (Gen_25:21-26; Mat_4:18-21). It was used also of a person who was more distantly related, such as a cousin or an uncle (Gen_14:12-14), a fellow member of the same community or nation (Gen_19:7; Lev_25:45-46; Act_13:26; Rom_9:3), or one’s fellow human beings in general (Lev_19:17; Mat_7:3). (See also NEIGHBOUR.)
Jesus used the expression ‘brother’ to indicate the closeness of the relationship between him and his followers (Mat_12:46-50; cf. Heb_2:11-12). Those who become Christ’s people are therefore brothers to each other (Mat_18:15; Mat_18:21; Act_9:17; Act_9:30; Act_15:3; Act_15:22; 1Th_5:25-27).
This shared brotherhood should help produce good relations between believers. They should be more tolerant of each other (Rom_14:10-15), more forgiving (1Co_6:5-8), more concerned (2Th_3:15), more self-sacrificing (1Jn_3:17) and more loving (Rom_12:10; 1Jn_2:9-11). They should realize that to sin against a brother is to sin against Christ (1Co_8:11-13), and therefore should make every effort to prevent, or correct, such sin (Mat_18:15-20; Rom_14:19-21).
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary by Don Fleming
PRINTER 1990.


bruth?ẽr (אח, 'āḥ; ἀδελφός, adelphós = kin by birth, from the same parents or parent): Used extensively in both Old Testament and New Testament of other relations and relationships, and expanding under Christ's teaching to include the universal brotherhood of man. Chiefly employed in the natural sense, as of Cain and Abel (Gen_4:8); of Joseph and his brethren (Gen_42:3); of Peter and Andrew, of James and John (Mat_10:2). Of other relationships: (1) Abram's nephew, Lot, is termed ?brother? (Gen_14:14); (2) Moses' fellow-countrymen are ?brethren? (Exo_2:11; Act_3:22; compare Heb_7:5); (3) a member of the same tribe (2Sa_19:12); (4) an ally (Amo_1:9), or an allied or cognate people (Num_20:14); (5) used of common discipleship or the kinship of humanity (Mat_23:8); (6) of moral likeness or kinship (Pro_18:9); (7) of friends (Job_6:15); (8) an equal in rank or office (1Ki_9:13); (9) one of the same faith (Act_11:29; 1Co_5:11); (10) a favorite oriental metaphor used to express likeness or similarity (Job_30:29, ?I am a brother to jackals?); (11) a fellow-priest or office-bearer (Ezr_3:2); Paul called Sosthenes ?brother? (1Co_1:1) and Timothy his spiritual son and associate (2Co_1:1); (12) a brother-man, any member of the human family (Mat_7:3-5; Heb_2:17; Heb_8:11; 1Jo_2:9; 1Jo_4:20); (13) signifies spiritual kinship (Mat_12:50); (14) a term adopted by the early disciples and Christians to express their fraternal love for each other in Christ, and universally adopted as the language of love and brotherhood in His kingdom in all subsequent time (2Pe_3:15; Col_4:7, Col_4:9, Col_4:15). The growing conception of mankind as a brotherhood is the outcome of this Christian view of believers as a household, a family (Eph_2:19; Eph_3:15; compare Act_17:26). Jesus has made ?neighbor? equivalent to ?brother,? and the sense of fraternal affection and obligation essential to vital Christianity, and coextensive with the world. The rabbis distinguished between ?brother? and ?neighbor,? applying ?brother? to Israelites by blood, ?neighbor? to proselytes, but allowing neither title to the Gentiles. Christ and the apostles gave the name ?brother? to all Christians, and ?neighbor? to all the world (1Co_5:11; Luk_10:29). The missionary passion and aggressiveness of the Christian church is the natural product of this Christian conception of man's true relation to man. See also FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.


This term is so variously and extensively applied in Scripture, that it becomes important carefully to distinguish the different acceptations in which it is used.
It denotes a brother in the natural sense, whether the offspring of the same father only (Mat_1:2; Luk_3:1; Luk_3:19), or of the same father and mother (Luk_6:14, etc.).
A near relative or kinsman by blood, cousin (Gen_13:8; Gen_14:16; Mat_12:46; Joh_7:3; Act_1:14; Gal_1:19).
One who is connected with another by any tie of intimacy or fellowship: hence?
One born in the same country, descended from the same stock, a fellow countryman (Mat_5:47; Act_3:22; Heb_7:5; Exo_2:11; Exo_4:18).
One of equal rank and dignity (Job_30:29; Pro_18:9; Mat_23:8).
Disciples, followers, etc. (Mat_25:40; Heb_2:11-12).
One of the same faith (Amo_1:9; Act_9:30; Act_11:29; 1 Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 11); from which and other texts it appears that the first converts to the faith of Jesus were known to each other by the title of Brethren, till the name of Christians was given to them at Antioch (Act_11:26).
An associate, colleague in office or dignity, etc. (Ezr_3:2; 1Co_1:1; 2Co_1:1; etc.).
One of the same nature, a fellow man (Gen_13:8; Gen_26:31; Mat_5:22-24; Mat_7:5; Heb_2:17; Heb_8:11).
One beloved, i.e. as a brother, in a direct address (Act_2:29; Act_6:3; 1Th_5:1).
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.


1Ki_20:33 (b) The ungodly enemy king took the place of being a relative of Ahab, the King of Samaria. Ahab accepted the suggestion. He therefore linked himself with one who was a bitter enemy of GOD and whom GOD had ordained for destruction. Christians are not brothers of the unsaved. Christians are children of GOD, while the unsaved are children of Satan. GOD cursed Ahab for his action in this matter.

Job_30:29 (a) Job felt so disgraced, so discouraged, and so wretched that he claimed kin with animals. He felt that he was not worthy to be called even a human being.

Psa_49:7 (b) The word is used to describe any friend or relative who shows a helpful interest in time of distress. The passage particularly refers to the false teachings of Romanism, with its masses for the dead, and Mormonism with its baptism for the dead. No human being can do anything whatever to help the souls of those who have died.

Pro_17:17 (c) This title refers to any person who loves, cares and shares with one who is in adversity, trouble or sorrow. GOD always provides someone who will help in time of sorrow.

Mat_5:22 (b) The teaching evidently is that if any person should mock at or scoff at a Christian who is seeking to live a separated life, and thereby fulfill GOD's will, that person is in danger of eternal punishment because he sides in with Satan and takes sides against GOD.

Mat_7:3 (a) This name is applied to any person with whom one is in close association and fellowship.

Mat_12:50 (a) This person is a true believer in the Lord JESUS, who has received the gift of eternal life, and thereby has entered the family of GOD. It also describes the very close and precious relationship which JESUS maintains toward those who love Him and obey the Father.

Rom_14:10 (a) In this passage the word refers to any believer or even one who claims to be a believer against whom another Christian may show a hostile attitude.

1Jo_2:9 (b) This title is given to any real believer, a true Christian, one who has been born again, and is really a child of GOD.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.


Brother
(Heb. אָח [see AcH-]; Gr. ἀδελφός), a term so variously and extensively applied in Scripture that it becomes important carefully to distinguish the different acceptations in which it is used.
1. It denotes a brother in the natural sense, whether the offspring of the same father only (Gen_42:15; Gen_43:3; Jdg_9:21; Mat_1:2; Luk_3:1; Luk_3:19), or of the same mother only (Jdg_8:19), or of the same father and mother (Gen_42:4; Gen_44:20; Luk_6:14, etc.)
2. A near relative or kinsman by blood, e.g. a nephew (Gen_14:16; Gen_13:8; Gen_24:12; Gen_24:15), or in general a cousin (Mat_12:46; Joh_7:3; Act_1:14; Gal_1:19), or even a husband (Son_4:9).
3. One of the same tribe (2Sa_10:13), e.g. a fellow Levite (Num_8:26; Num_16:10; Neh_3:1).
4. One born in the same country, descended from the same stock, a fellow- countryman (Jdg_14:3; Ezekiel 2:11; 4:18; Mat_5:47; Act_3:22; Heb_7:5), or even of a cognate people (Gen_9:25; Gen_16:12; Gen_25:18; Num_20:14).
5. One of equal rank and dignity (Pro_18:9; Mat_23:8).
6. Disciples, followers, etc. (Mat_25:40; Heb_2:11-12).
7. One of the same faith (Isa_66:10; Act_9:30; Act_11:29; 1 Corinthians 5, 11); from which and other texts it appears that the first converts to the faith of Jesus were known to each other by the title of brethren, till the name of Christians was given to them at Antioch (Act_11:26).
8. An associate, colleague in office or dignity, etc. (Ezr_2:2; 1Co_1:1; 2Co_1:1,-etc.).
9. One of the same nature, a fellow-man (Gen_13:8; Gen_26:31; Mat_5:22-24; Mat_7:5; Heb_2:17; Heb_8:11).
10. One beloved, i.e. as a brother, in a direct address (Act_2:29; Act_6:3; 1Th_5:1).
11. An ally of a confederate nation (Amo_1:9).
12. A friend or associate (Job_6:15; comp. Job_19:13; 1Ki_19:13; Neh_5:10; Neh_5:14).
13. It is a very favorite Oriental metaphor, as in Job_30:29, "I am become a brother to the jackals."
14. It is even applied (in the Heb.) to inanimate things in the phrase " one another" (lit. a man his brother), -e.g. of the cherubim (Exo_25:20; Exo_37:9). The term is still used in the East with the same latitude (Hackett's Illustra. of Script. p. 118). The Jewish schools, however, distinguish between "brother" and "neighbor;" "brother" meant an Israelite by blood, "neighbor" a proselyte. They allowed neither title to the Gentiles; but Christ and the apostles extended the name "brother" to all Christians, and "neighbor" to all the world, 1Co_5:11; Luk_10:29-30 (Lightfoot, Hor. Hebr. ad Matthew v, 22).

CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.





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