Reference: Brother
American
Signifies in Scripture the son of the same parent or parents, Mt 1:2; Lu 6:14; a cousin or near kinsman, Ge 13:8; 14:16; Joh 7:3; Ac 1:14; one of the same stock or country, Mt 5:47; Ac 3:22; Heb 7:5; a fellow-man, and equal, Mt 5:23; 7:3; one beloved, 2Sa 1:26; Christians, as sons of God, Ac 9:30; 11:29. In Mt 12:46-50; 13:55-56; Mr 3:31-35, the brothers of Christ are so mentioned, in connection with his mother and sisters, as almost to require us to believe they were children of Joseph and Mary, younger than Jesus. Yet this is not quite certain, as it may be that the James, Joses, and Judas in Mt 13:55, are the nephews of Christ alluded to in Mt 27:56; Lu 6:15-16; Joh 19:25; Cleophas and Alphaeus being probably the same.
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Therefore if you may bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
If you salute your brethren only, what do ye more abundantly? do not the heathens also the same thing?
But why do you see the mote which is in the eye of your brother, and do not recognize the beam which is in your own eye?
And He yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and His brothers stood without, seeking to speak to Him. And a certain one said to Him; Behold, thy mother and thy brothers stand without, seeking to speak to thee. read more. And He responding said to the one speaking to Him; Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? And reaching forth His hand to His disciples, He said, Behold my mother and my brothers! For whosoever may do the will of my Father who is in the heavens, the same is my brother, and my sister, and my mother.
Is not He the son of the carpenter? is not His mother called Mary? are not His brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Is not He the son of the carpenter? is not His mother called Mary? are not His brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And are not His sisters all here with us? Whence then are these things to Him?
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
And His mother and His brothers come; and standing without, sent to Him, calling Him. And the crowd was sitting round Him; and they say to Him, Behold thy mother and thy brothers without are seeking thee. read more. And He responding to them, says, Who is my mother and my brothers? And looking round on His disciples sitting about Him in a circle, He says, Behold my mother and my brothers! For whosoever may do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and my mother.
Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John. Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called the Zealot; read more. and Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also became His betrayer.
Then His brothers said to Him; Depart hence, and go into Judea; in order that thy disciples shall see thy works which thou art doing. For no one does anything in secret, and Himself seeks to be public.
And by the cross of Jesus stood His mother, and the sister of His mother, Mary the mother of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
Moses indeed said; The Lord our God will raise up to you from your brethren a prophet like unto me; Him you will hear concerning all things so many as he may speak to you.
And the brethren, taking cognizance, led him to Caesarea, and sent him away to Tarsus.
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous;
And those indeed of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood have a commandment to tithe the people according to the law, that is, their brethren, even though having come out from the loins of Abraham:
Easton
(1.) In the natural and common sense (Mt 1:2; Lu 3:1,19).
(2.) A near relation, a cousin (Ge 13:8; 14:16; Mt 12:46; Joh 7:3; Ac 1:14; Ga 1:19).
(3.) Simply a fellow-countryman (Mt 5:47; Ac 3:22; Heb 7:5).
(4.) A disciple or follower (Mt 25:40; Heb 2:11-12).
(5.) One of the same faith (Am 1:9; Ac 9:30; 11:29; 1Co 5:11); whence the early disciples of our Lord were known to each other as brethren.
(6.) A colleague in office (Ezr 3:2; 1Co 1:1; 2Co 1:1).
(7.) A fellow-man (Ge 9:5; 19:7; Mt 5:22-23,24; 7:5; Heb 2:17).
(8.) One beloved or closely united with another in affection (2Sa 1:26; Ac 6:3; 1Th 5:1). Brethren of Jesus (Mt 1:25; 12:46,50; Mr 3:31-32; Ga 1:19; 1Co 9:5, etc.) were probably the younger children of Joseph and Mary. Some have supposed that they may have been the children of Joseph by a former marriage, and others that they were the children of Mary, the Virgin's sister, and wife of Cleophas. The first interpretation, however, is the most natural.
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and he took his wife to himself, and did not know her until she brought forth a son, and called his name Jesus.
but I say unto you that every one being angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever may say to his brother, Thou scoundrel, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever may say, Thou fool, shall be liable unto a hell of fire. Therefore if you may bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, read more. leave there your gift before the altar, and go, first be reconciled to your brother, then having come offer your gift.
If you salute your brethren only, what do ye more abundantly? do not the heathens also the same thing?
O hypocrite, first cast out the beam from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to cast out the mote from the eye of your brother.
And He yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and His brothers stood without, seeking to speak to Him.
And He yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and His brothers stood without, seeking to speak to Him.
For whosoever may do the will of my Father who is in the heavens, the same is my brother, and my sister, and my mother.
And the King responding will say unto them, Truly I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did these things to one of the least of these my brethren, you did them unto me.
And His mother and His brothers come; and standing without, sent to Him, calling Him. And the crowd was sitting round Him; and they say to Him, Behold thy mother and thy brothers without are seeking thee.
And in the fifteenth year in the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother, tetrarch of Ituria and the Trachonitis country, and Lusanius tetrarch of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas
And Herod the tetrarch, being convicted by him concerning Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, and concerning the wickedness which Herod did,
Then His brothers said to Him; Depart hence, and go into Judea; in order that thy disciples shall see thy works which thou art doing. For no one does anything in secret, and Himself seeks to be public.
They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
Moses indeed said; The Lord our God will raise up to you from your brethren a prophet like unto me; Him you will hear concerning all things so many as he may speak to you.
But brethren, look out seven men from you of good report, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint over this interest;
And the brethren, taking cognizance, led him to Caesarea, and sent him away to Tarsus.
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous;
but I saw no other of the apostles, except James the brother of the Lord.
but I saw no other of the apostles, except James the brother of the Lord.
Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and brother Timothy,
Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and brother Timothy,
For both the one sanctifying and they who are sanctified are all of one: on account of which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will proclaim thy name to thy brethren, in the midst of the church will sing praises to thee.
Therefore he ought in all things to be made like unto his brethren, in order that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things appertaining to God, to the end that he may atone for the sins of the people.
And those indeed of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood have a commandment to tithe the people according to the law, that is, their brethren, even though having come out from the loins of Abraham:
Fausets
Includes, besides sons of the same parents, cousins and near relatives, as a nephew (Ge 13:8; 14:16; De 25:5-6 margin). One of the same tribe (2Sa 19:12). Of the same or a kindred people (Ex 2:11; Nu 20:14). A friend (Job 6:15). A fellow man (Le 19:17). "A brother to (i.e. a fellow on a level with) the dragons" or "jackals" (Job 30:29). As the outer pagan world knew believers by the name "Christian," so they know one another by the name "brethren" (Ac 11:26; 26:28; 1Pe 4:16; compare Mt 25:40; Ac 11:29). The Jews distinguished a "brother" as an Israelite by birth, and a "neighbor" a proselyte, and allowed neither title to the Gentiles. But Christ applied "brother" to all Christians, and "neighbor" to all the world (1Co 5:11; Lu 10:29-30). The arguments for the "brethren" of Jesus (James, Joses, Simon, and Judas) mentioned in Mt 13:56 being literally His brothers, born of Joseph and Mary, are:
(1) their names are always connected with Mary, "His brethren" is the phrase found nine times in the Gospels, once in Acts (Ac 1:14);
(2) nothing is said to imply that the phrase is not to be taken literally. But:
(1) "My brethren" is found in the wide sense (Mt 28:10; Joh 20:17).
(2) If Joseph had been their father, they would have been some one time at least designated in the usual mode "sons of Joseph." The statement that. His "brethren did not believe in Him" (Joh 7:5) may refer to His near relations generally, excepting the two apostles James (who is expressly called "the Lord's brother," Ga 1:19) and Jude (Jg 1:1). In Ac 1:14 His "brethren," as distinct from the apostles, may refer to Simon and Joses and other near relatives. It is not likely there would be two pairs of brothers named alike, of such eminence; James and Jude. His brethren are, most probably, the writers of the epistles.
(3) It is expressly stated that Mary, wife of Cleophas and sister of the Virgin Mary (Joh 19:25), had sons, of whom James and Joses are named (Mt 27:56; Mr 15:40). How unlikely that two mothers of the same name, Mary the Virgin and her sister, should have sons also bearing the same names.
(4) If the Virgin had had sons of her own, Jesus would not have given her in charge to John (Joh 19:26), who was not a relative.
(5) It is a fitting thing that in Jesus the line of David should have its final consummation. The naming of Jesus' brethren with His virgin mother so often may be because Jesus and she took up their abode at the home of Mary, the Virgin's sister, after Joseph's death; for that he soon died appears from his name being never mentioned after Luke 2. Hence the cousins would grow up as brothers. The very difficulty implies the absence of collusion or mythical origin in the gospel narrative.
Firstborn son (Mt 1:25) does not imply that any sons were born of the Virgin afterwards, but that none were born before Him. Ex 13:2 defines "the firstborn" "whatsoever openeth the womb": whether other children followed or not. "Knew her not until" does not necessarily imply he even then knew her; compare Ge 28:15, "I will not leave thee until I have done," not meaning He would leave Jacob even then. The main truth asserted is the virginity of Mary up to Jesus' birth. What was afterward is not dearly revealed, being of less consequence to us.
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and he took his wife to himself, and did not know her until she brought forth a son, and called his name Jesus.
and he took his wife to himself, and did not know her until she brought forth a son, and called his name Jesus.
And are not His sisters all here with us? Whence then are these things to Him?
And are not His sisters all here with us? Whence then are these things to Him?
And the King responding will say unto them, Truly I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did these things to one of the least of these my brethren, you did them unto me.
And the King responding will say unto them, Truly I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did these things to one of the least of these my brethren, you did them unto me.
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Then Jesus says to them, Fear not: go tell my brethren, that they may depart into Galilee, and there they shall see me.
Then Jesus says to them, Fear not: go tell my brethren, that they may depart into Galilee, and there they shall see me.
And there were women looking on from a distance: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and Joses, and Salome;
And there were women looking on from a distance: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and Joses, and Salome;
But he, wishing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?
But he, wishing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Jesus responding said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and fell among thieves, who indeed having stripped him of his raiment, administered blows, went away, leaving him half dead.
Jesus responding said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and fell among thieves, who indeed having stripped him of his raiment, administered blows, went away, leaving him half dead.
For His brothers were not believing on Him.
For His brothers were not believing on Him.
And by the cross of Jesus stood His mother, and the sister of His mother, Mary the mother of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
And by the cross of Jesus stood His mother, and the sister of His mother, Mary the mother of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Then Jesus seeing His mother, and the disciple whom He loved, standing by, said to His mother; Woman, behold, thy son.
Then Jesus seeing His mother, and the disciple whom He loved, standing by, said to His mother; Woman, behold, thy son.
Jesus says to her, Cling not to me; for I have not ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and tell them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.
Jesus says to her, Cling not to me; for I have not ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and tell them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.
They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
They were all persevering of one accord in prayer along with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
And it happened unto them, a whole year indeed they assembled in the church, and taught a great multitude: and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
And it happened unto them, a whole year indeed they assembled in the church, and taught a great multitude: and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous;
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous;
And Agrippa said to Paul, With little persuasion thou dost persuade thyself to make me a Christian.
And Agrippa said to Paul, With little persuasion thou dost persuade thyself to make me a Christian.
For now I have written unto you not to keep company with him, if any one denominated a brother may be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a scold, or drunken, or an extortioner; with such a one not to eat.
For now I have written unto you not to keep company with him, if any one denominated a brother may be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a scold, or drunken, or an extortioner; with such a one not to eat.
but I saw no other of the apostles, except James the brother of the Lord.
but I saw no other of the apostles, except James the brother of the Lord.
Hastings
Morish
Smith
Brother.
The Hebrew word is used in various senses in the Old Testament, as,
1. Any kinsman, and not a mere brother; e.g. nephew,
husband,
2. One of the same tribe.
3. Of the same people,
or even of a cognate people.
4. An ally.
5. Any friend,
6. One of the same office.
7. A fellow man.
8. Metaphorically of any similarity, as in
The word adelphos has a similar range of meanings in the New Testament.
Watsons
BROTHER. 1. A brother by the same mother, a uterine brother, Mt 4:21; 20:2. A brother, though not by the same mother, Mt 2:3. A near kinsman, a cousin, Mt 13:55; Mr 6:3. Observe, that in Mt 13:55, James, and Joses, and Judas, are called the ???????, brethren, of Christ, but were most probably only his cousins by his mother's side; for James and Joses were the sons of Mary, Mt 27:56; and James and Judas, the sons of Alpheus, Lu 6:15-16; which Alpheus is therefore probably the same with Cleopas, the husband of Mary, sister to our Lord's mother, Joh 19:25.
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And Herod the king having heard, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him,
And going forth from thence, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them.
Is not He the son of the carpenter? is not His mother called Mary? are not His brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Is not He the son of the carpenter? is not His mother called Mary? are not His brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And having agreed with the laborers for a denarion per day, sent them into his vineyard.
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary? the brother of James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended in Him.
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called the Zealot; and Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also became His betrayer.
And by the cross of Jesus stood His mother, and the sister of His mother, Mary the mother of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.