Greek · Strong's G80
ἀδελφός
adelphós (ah-del-FOS)
noun, masculine
ἀδελφός (adelphos) refers to a male sibling descended from the same parents, or, more broadly, to a fellow human, especially a fellow believer.
The Greek term ἀδελφός (adelphos) primarily denotes a physical brother, a male sibling sharing the same parentage. This literal sense is seen in the Gospels when referring to Jesus' brothers, such as James and Simon. However, the semantic range of ἀδελφός extends significantly beyond this narrow definition. It is often used to refer to kinsmen, countrymen, or members of the same community or group. This broader sense is prevalent in both the Old Testament (through its Septuagint translation) and the New Testament, where it can encompass national identity or shared lineage, as Paul uses it when speaking of his fellow Israelites. This broad application underscores a sense of shared identity and belonging.
Common English renderings
- brother
- brethren
- fellowmen
Key verses
"Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him."
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"For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:"
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"but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire."
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"He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now."
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"Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
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"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord."
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