Topical Bible: Brother: Signifies: A Relative,

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "brother" is used to denote a variety of relationships, both literal and figurative. It primarily signifies a male sibling, but its usage extends to other familial and social relationships, reflecting the broader sense of kinship and community within the biblical narrative.

Literal Sibling Relationship

The most straightforward use of "brother" in the Bible is to describe a male sibling. This is evident in the early chapters of Genesis, where Cain and Abel are referred to as brothers. Genesis 4:9 records, "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' 'I do not know,' he answered. 'Am I my brother’s keeper?'"

Extended Family and Kinship

Beyond immediate siblings, "brother" can also refer to extended family members or close relatives. For example, in Genesis 13:8 , Abram refers to Lot as his brother, though Lot is actually his nephew: "So Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are brothers.'"

Tribal and National Identity

In the context of the Israelite tribes, "brother" often signifies a fellow member of the same tribe or nation. This usage underscores the collective identity and solidarity among the Israelites. Deuteronomy 15:12 states, "If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free."

Spiritual Brotherhood

The New Testament expands the concept of brotherhood to include spiritual relationships among believers. Jesus redefines familial bonds in Matthew 12:50 : "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." This spiritual kinship is further emphasized in the epistles, where believers are frequently addressed as "brothers" in Christ, highlighting the unity and equality within the body of Christ.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The term "brother" also carries moral and ethical implications, often used to promote love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:21-22 , Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness: "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!'"

Conclusion

The biblical use of "brother" is rich and multifaceted, encompassing literal family ties, tribal affiliations, and spiritual connections. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the call to live in harmony and love with one another, as exemplified in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 14:16
And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 29:12
And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.
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Library

Chapter xxix
... Though "Rachel" signifies "ewe" and "Leah" "wild cow," that fact in ... 'Ach, "brother,"
here appears in ... this man was truly his kinsman, a blood relative, or, as ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

Of Matrimony.
... For it everywhere signifies, not the sign of a ... man should go beyond or defraud his
brother in any ... betrothed husband before actual marriage, no relative by blood ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/of matrimony.htm

Chapter ix
... For such distinctions are largely relative. ... The introductory le signifies a dative
of relation. ... literally, "from the hand of a man his brother." The phrase is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ix.htm

Chapter xlii
... literally: "the hunger of your homes," signifies: that which ... not go down with you;
for his brother is dead ... of his sons was borne with relative equanimity by ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

The New Name.
... for then first can he understand what his name signifies. ... but a chamber into which
no brother, nay, no ... Relative worth is not only unknown"to the children of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the new name.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... father or his mother, and as it signifies "the servant ... care about religion." "Have
you any brother or sister ... No, sir." "Have you any single relative who knows ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

Chapter xiv
... of this town, being dual, perhaps signifies "double town ... have been occasioned by
the relative importance of ... They also captured Lot, Abram's brother's son, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Chapter iv
... perhaps means "man of God," the sh being a kind of relative. ... a wife" (laqach ishshah)
is the one that signifies "to marry ... And the name of his brother was Jubal. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Texts Explained; Sixthly...
... Him with whom is our account,' he signifies that He ... first-born of the new creation
or "brother" of many ... born,' like beginning of ways,' is relative to creation ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xxi texts explained sixthly.htm

Tenth Proposition of Arminius.
... We have lost the relative light; but Christ restores this ... who calleth, as even yourself,
my brother, if you ... whether the image of God signifies only supernatural ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/tenth proposition of arminius.htm