Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "brother" holds significant theological and relational importance, extending beyond mere biological connections to encompass spiritual and covenantal relationships. The concept of brotherhood is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the blessings and challenges inherent in these relationships.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for brother, "אָח" (ach), is used to describe both literal and figurative relationships. The earliest mention of brothers is found in the account of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. This narrative, found in Genesis 4, highlights the complexities of brotherhood, as Cain's jealousy leads to the first murder: "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' 'I do not know,' he answered. 'Am I my brother’s keeper?'" (Genesis 4:9). This rhetorical question underscores the moral responsibility individuals have toward their siblings. The patriarchal narratives further explore brotherly dynamics. Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, exemplify sibling rivalry and reconciliation. Despite Jacob's deceit in obtaining Esau's birthright and blessing, the brothers eventually reconcile, demonstrating the potential for forgiveness and restoration (Genesis 33). The account of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37-50 illustrates themes of envy, betrayal, and eventual redemption. Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery, yet through divine providence, Joseph rises to power in Egypt and ultimately forgives his brothers, preserving the family during a time of famine. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἀδελφός" (adelphos) is used to describe both physical and spiritual brotherhood. Jesus expands the concept of brotherhood beyond familial ties, emphasizing spiritual kinship among His followers. In Matthew 12:50, Jesus states, "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" . This redefinition of family underscores the unity and equality of believers in the body of Christ. The early Christian community is characterized by a strong sense of brotherhood, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. The believers are described as being "of one heart and soul" (Acts 4:32), sharing their possessions and supporting one another. The apostle Paul frequently addresses fellow Christians as "brothers," emphasizing the familial bond among believers. In Romans 12:10, he exhorts, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another" . Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of brotherhood in the Bible points to the broader theme of unity and community among God's people. The familial language used to describe relationships among believers reflects the intimate and covenantal nature of the Church. Brotherhood implies mutual responsibility, love, and accountability, as believers are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to live in harmony (Romans 12:16). The biblical portrayal of brotherhood also serves as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and His followers. Jesus is described as the "firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29), highlighting His role as the elder brother who leads and intercedes for His spiritual siblings. Practical Applications In practical terms, the biblical concept of brotherhood calls Christians to cultivate relationships marked by love, forgiveness, and service. The exhortation to "love one another with brotherly affection" (Romans 12:10) challenges believers to transcend cultural and social barriers, reflecting the unity and diversity of the body of Christ. The call to be one's "brother's keeper" remains a timeless principle, urging individuals to care for and support one another in the faith community. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROTHER'S WIFE(yebhemeth = "a sister-in-law," "brother's wife" (Deuteronomy 25:7, 9); 'ishshah = "a woman," "wife"; `esheth 'ach = "brother's wife" (Genesis 38:8, 9 Leviticus 18:16; Leviticus 20:21); he gune tou adelphou = "the brother's wife" (Mark 6:18)): A brother's wife occupies a unique position in Hebrew custom and law, by virtue of the institution of the Levirate. The widow had no hereditary rights in her husband's property, but was considered a part of the estate, and the surviving brother of the deceased was considered the natural heir. The right to inherit the widow soon became a duty to marry her if the deceased had left no sons, and in case there was no brother-in-law, the duty of marriage devolved on the father-in-law or the agnate who inherited, whoever this might be. The first son of the Levirate marriage was regarded as the son of the deceased. This institution is found chiefly among people who hold to ancestral worship (Indians, Persians, Afghans, etc.), from which circumstances Benzinger (New Sch-Herz, IV, 276) derives the explanation of this institution in Israel. The Levirate marriage undoubtedly existed as a custom before the Israelite settlement in Canaan, but after this received special significance because of the succession to the property of the first son of the marriage, since he was reckoned to the deceased, inherited from his putative, not from his real father, thus preventing the disintegration of property and its acquirement by strangers, at the same time perpetuating the family to which it belonged. While the law limited the matrimonial duty to the brother and permitted him to decline to marry the widow, such a course was attended by public disgrace (Deuteronomy 25:5). By the law of Numbers 27:8, daughters were given the right to inherit, in order that the family estate might be preserved, and the Levirate became limited to cases where the deceased had left no children at all. WIFE, BROTHER'S See MARRIAGE; RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY. Greek 1918. epigambreuo -- to marry ... marry. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epigambreuo Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-gam-bryoo'-o) Short Definition: I marry a deceased brother's wife Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1918.htm - 6k 80. adelphos -- a brother Strong's Hebrew 2994. yebemeth -- sister-in-law... Word Origin from the same as yabam Definition sister-in-law NASB Word Usage brother's wife (2), sister-in-law (2), wife (1). brother's wife, sister in law. ... /hebrew/2994.htm - 6k 251. ach -- a brother 2992. yabam -- to perform the duty of a husband's brother Library Am I My Brother's Keeper? Of those who Only Increase their Own or their Brother's Grievances ... Constantius, Being Afraid of his Brother's Threats, Recalls ... A Question Whether Anything that is Really Useful Should be ... Of the Subjection of the Devils, which they Show to their Own ... Whether Before the Public Denunciation Witnesses Ought to be ... Three Condensed Parables Whether it is Fitting to Distinguish Six Kinds of Sin against the ... How it is That, if Our Brother Has any Grudge against Us, the ... 1 John v. 16 Thesaurus Brother's (46 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROTHER'S WIFE. (yebhemeth = "a sister-in-law," "brother's wife" (Deuteronomy 25:7, 9); 'ishshah ... /b/brother's.htm - 23k Nasbas Log (12 Occurrences) Mote (6 Occurrences) Plank (5 Occurrences) Splinter (5 Occurrences) Speck (6 Occurrences) Wood (226 Occurrences) Wife (437 Occurrences) Beam (17 Occurrences) Resources Am I my brother's keeper? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Brother's (46 Occurrences)Matthew 7:3 Matthew 7:5 Mark 6:18 Luke 3:19 Luke 6:41 Luke 6:42 Romans 12:10 Romans 14:10 Romans 14:13 Romans 14:21 1 Corinthians 8:13 James 4:11 1 John 3:12 Genesis 4:9 Genesis 4:10 Genesis 4:11 Genesis 4:21 Genesis 10:25 Genesis 12:5 Genesis 14:12 Genesis 14:14 Genesis 14:16 Genesis 24:48 Genesis 27:40 Genesis 27:44 Genesis 27:45 Genesis 38:8 Genesis 38:9 Leviticus 18:16 Leviticus 20:21 Deuteronomy 20:8 Deuteronomy 22:1 Deuteronomy 22:3 Deuteronomy 22:4 Deuteronomy 25:7 Deuteronomy 25:9 2 Samuel 13:20 2 Samuel 14:7 1 Kings 2:15 1 Chronicles 1:19 Job 1:13 Job 1:18 Job 22:6 Proverbs 27:10 Hosea 12:3 Obadiah 1:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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