Topical Bible: Brother: Signifies: A Neighbor

◄ Brother: Signifies: A Neighbor ►

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In biblical terminology, the term "brother" extends beyond the literal sense of a male sibling to encompass a broader, more inclusive meaning, often signifying a neighbor or fellow member of the community. This usage underscores the biblical principle of love and responsibility towards others, reflecting the interconnectedness of humanity as envisioned in Scripture.

The concept of "brother" as a neighbor is rooted in the Old Testament, where the Hebrew word "ach" is used not only for biological brothers but also for kinsmen and fellow Israelites. This broader application is evident in Leviticus 19:17-18 , which commands, "You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." Here, the terms "brother" and "neighbor" are used interchangeably, emphasizing the moral and ethical obligations one has towards others within the community.

In the New Testament, the Greek word "adelphos" similarly extends beyond familial ties. Jesus expands the definition of "brother" to include all who do the will of God, as seen in Matthew 12:50 : "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." This redefinition highlights the spiritual kinship among believers, transcending ethnic and social boundaries.

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37 further illustrates the concept of "brother" as a neighbor. When asked, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus responds with a account that challenges the prevailing social norms, demonstrating that a true neighbor, or "brother," is one who shows mercy and compassion, regardless of ethnic or religious differences. This teaching reinforces the idea that brotherhood is defined by love and action rather than mere proximity or shared heritage.

The apostolic writings continue this theme, urging believers to treat one another with brotherly love. In Romans 12:10 , Paul exhorts, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." Similarly, 1 John 4:20-21 states, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." These passages emphasize that love for one's brother, or neighbor, is an essential expression of one's love for God.

In summary, the biblical use of "brother" as a term for neighbor reflects a profound theological and ethical principle: the call to love and serve others as an expression of one's faith and devotion to God. This understanding challenges believers to expand their circle of concern and to embody the love of Christ in their relationships with all people.

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Deuteronomy 23:7
You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother: you shall not abhor an Egyptian; because you were a stranger in his land.
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Judges 21:6
And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.
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Nehemiah 5:7
Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said to them, You exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
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Library

The Sermon on the Mount.
... c that is in thy brother's eye ... It therefore signifies in this connection that we
ourselves should first see ... to take a chip or splinter out of his neighbor's eye ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 7.htm

1 Cor. x. 13
... of the injury to their neighbor, but signifies that the ... one body for thee, and another
for thy neighbor to be ... deign to be united even to thy brother with due ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiv 1 cor x.htm

Matt. v. 38, 39, 40
... law, and recognized it all, He signifies again, that it ... He did not say, "resist not
your brother," but "the ... destroyed the eyes of both, his neighbor's and his ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xviii matt v 38.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... Thou shalt not lend to thy brother money to ... he that striketh [Vulg.: 'killeth'] his
neighbor ignorantly, and ... the heifer taken from the herd signifies the flesh ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

John i. 35-37
... a promise, you may learn that his brother had already laid ... hath not where to lay
His head," signifies that He ... Which is best, to talk about our neighbor and our ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xviii john i 35-37.htm

Of Flattery.
... Of Flattery. The last of Verbal injuries to our Neighbor which I shall mention,
is Flattery. ... What signifies an unfriendly Parent, or Brother, or Wife? ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

1 Cor. viii. 1
... But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother?" for this ... as a thing allowed by all, he
signifies that knowledge ... may know something more than your neighbor, if you ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xx 1 cor viii.htm

1 Cor. xvi. 10
... departing he waits for him; and also signifies the love ... thought for the salvation
of thy brother, then it ... 355] " undermining the fame of our neighbor, and as ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xliv 1 cor xvi.htm

1 Cor. xii. 21
... had received less than others, he signifies that they ... trampling on the miseries of
our neighbor and envying ... and turning pale at sight of a brother in prosperity ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxi 1 cor xii.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 20
... through their love of glory, he signifies that this ... saith he, "the correction of
their neighbor: let nothing ... if thou comest not to edify thy brother, why dost ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxvi 1 cor xiv.htm