the Third Week of Advent
Click here to learn more!
Bible Encyclopedias
Brother
Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
or 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 (Matthew 1:2; Luke 3:1; Luke 3:19), or of the same father and mother (Luke 6:14, etc.).
A near relative or kinsman by blood, cousin (Genesis 13:8; Genesis 14:16; Matthew 12:46; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; Galatians 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 (Matthew 5:47; Acts 3:22; Hebrews 7:5; Exodus 2:11; Exodus 4:18).
One of equal rank and dignity (Job 30:29; Proverbs 18:9; Matthew 23:8).
Disciples, followers, etc. (Matthew 25:40; Hebrews 2:11-12).
One of the same faith (Amos 1:9; Acts 9:30; Acts 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 (Acts 11:26).
An associate, colleague in office or dignity, etc. (Ezra 3:2; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; etc.).
One of the same nature, a fellow man (Genesis 13:8; Genesis 26:31; Matthew 5:22-24; Matthew 7:5; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 8:11).
One beloved, i.e. as a brother, in a direct address (Acts 2:29; Acts 6:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:1).
Public Domain.
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Brother'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/kbe/b/brother.html.
