Blood relatives, especially one’s siblings; also used of one’s close male associates. Cain and Abel are blood brothers (
Gen 4:9), as are Jacob and Esau (
Gen 25:26) and Simon and Andrew (
Mark 1:16). “Brother” also embraces clans, compatriots, and allies. David calls Jonathan his “brother” (
2Sam 1:26). Allied kings (Solomon and Hiram of Tyre) are “brothers” (
1Kgs 9:13). Israelite priests constitute a brotherhood (
2Chr 29:34). “Brothers” is also used to express the spiritual relationship of co-religionists. Jesus calls brothers those “who hear the word of God and do it” (
Luke 8:21). Paul regularly speaks of his co-religionists as “brothers” (
1Cor 1:10;
1Thess 1:4).
Gen 4:9
9Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?”
Gen 25:26
26Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
Mark 1:16
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fisherm ... View more
2Sam 1:26
26I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
your love to me was wonderful,
passing the love of women.
1Kgs 9:13
13Therefore he said, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” So they are called the land of Cabul to this day.
2Chr 29:34
34But the priests were too few and could not skin all the burnt offerings, so, until other priests had sanctified themselves, their kindred, the Levites, helped ... View more
Luke 8:21
21But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
1Cor 1:10
Divisions in the Church
10Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no ... View more
1Thess 1:4
4For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you,
