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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Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judas and his brethren.
When therefore you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has reason to be displeas'd with you:
and if ye salute your brethren only, what mighty matter is that? do not even the heathens do the same?
why do you observe the mote that is in your brother's eye, and not consider the beam that is in your own eye?
Now while he was talking to the people, his mother and his brothers stood without, desiring to speak with him. then some body said to him, your mother and your brothers are without, and desire to speak with you. read more. but Jesus answered the man that told him, who is my mother? and who are my brothers? and holding out his hand towards his disciples, see there, said he, my mother, and my brothers. for whosoever shall do the will of my father, who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.
is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers?
is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers? and his sisters, don't they live just by us? how came he then by all this?
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
In the mean time his brothers and his mother came there, and not being able to get within hearing, for the crowd about him, they sent him word to come to them. and when they told him, your mother and brothers and sisters are here without enquiring for you, read more. He answer'd, who is my mother? who are my brothers? and casting his eyes round the company, there, said he, are my mother and my brothers. for he that does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.
(to whom he gave the name of Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon surnamed the Zelot, read more. Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who prov'd the traitor.
his relations said to him, retire hence, and go into Judea, that your disciples there may also see the works that you do.
In the mean time the mother of Jesus, and her sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, were standing by the cross.
and unanimously persevere in prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren being present.
for Moses said to the fathers, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; observe whatever he shall say to you.
which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him away to Tarsus.
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd,
'tis true they of the race of Levi, who assume the office of the priesthood, have a right by law to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, though they all issued from 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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Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judas and his brethren.
but did not cohabit with her as a wife, before she had-brought forth her first-born son; whom he named JESUS.
but I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause, shall be punish'd by the tribunal: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be punish'd by the Sanhedrim: but whosoever shall say, thou fool, shall be punish'd by the fire of Gehenna. When therefore you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has reason to be displeas'd with you: read more. leave your gift before the altar, go, and first of all reconcile yourself to your brother; then come to offer your gift.
and if ye salute your brethren only, what mighty matter is that? do not even the heathens do the same?
thou hypocrite, first get rid of the beam in your own eye; and then see how to remove the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Now while he was talking to the people, his mother and his brothers stood without, desiring to speak with him.
Now while he was talking to the people, his mother and his brothers stood without, desiring to speak with him.
for whosoever shall do the will of my father, who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.
and the king will reply, I declare unto you, your having done this for one of the least of these my brethren, is the same thing as doing it for me.
In the mean time his brothers and his mother came there, and not being able to get within hearing, for the crowd about him, they sent him word to come to them. and when they told him, your mother and brothers and sisters are here without enquiring for you,
In the fifteenth year of the emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod tetrarch of Gallilee: Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis: and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene:
but having reproved Herod the tetrarch upon account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, and for all the mischiefs that Herod had done;
his relations said to him, retire hence, and go into Judea, that your disciples there may also see the works that you do.
and unanimously persevere in prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren being present.
for Moses said to the fathers, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; observe whatever he shall say to you.
wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair:
which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him away to Tarsus.
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd,
but other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother.
but other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother.
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the divine appointment, and Timothy our brother,
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the divine appointment, and Timothy our brother,
for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all deriv'd from one: for which cause he is not asham'd to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee."
whence it was necessary he should be in all things like his brethren; that he might be a merciful high priest, and faithfully discharge the divine office of expiating the sins of the people.
'tis true they of the race of Levi, who assume the office of the priesthood, have a right by law to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, though they all issued from 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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but did not cohabit with her as a wife, before she had-brought forth her first-born son; whom he named JESUS.
but did not cohabit with her as a wife, before she had-brought forth her first-born son; whom he named JESUS.
and his sisters, don't they live just by us? how came he then by all this?
and his sisters, don't they live just by us? how came he then by all this?
and the king will reply, I declare unto you, your having done this for one of the least of these my brethren, is the same thing as doing it for me.
and the king will reply, I declare unto you, your having done this for one of the least of these my brethren, is the same thing as doing it for me.
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
then said Jesus to them, be not afraid: go bid my brethren repair to Galilee, and there shall they see me.
then said Jesus to them, be not afraid: go bid my brethren repair to Galilee, and there shall they see me.
there were likewise several women, who were spectators at a distance: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the minor, and of Joses and Salome:
there were likewise several women, who were spectators at a distance: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the minor, and of Joses and Salome:
but he being desirous to clear himself, said to Jesus, but what is meant by our neighbour?
but he being desirous to clear himself, said to Jesus, but what is meant by our neighbour? to which Jesus answered, a certain man, as he was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves, who stripp'd him, and beat him, then march'd off leaving him half dead.
to which Jesus answered, a certain man, as he was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves, who stripp'd him, and beat him, then march'd off leaving him half dead.
for even his brethren did not believe in him.
for even his brethren did not believe in him.
In the mean time the mother of Jesus, and her sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, were standing by the cross.
In the mean time the mother of Jesus, and her sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, were standing by the cross. when Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing by, he said to his mother, woman, behold thy son.
when Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing by, he said to his mother, woman, behold thy son.
that is to say, master! Jesus said to her, touch me not: for I am not yet ascended to my father: but go to my brethren, and say to them, "I ascend unto my father and your father, even my God and your God."
that is to say, master! Jesus said to her, touch me not: for I am not yet ascended to my father: but go to my brethren, and say to them, "I ascend unto my father and your father, even my God and your God."
and unanimously persevere in prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren being present.
and unanimously persevere in prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren being present.
and unanimously persevere in prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren being present.
and unanimously persevere in prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren being present.
where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians.
where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians.
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd,
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd,
but Agrippa reply'd to Paul, you almost persuade me I shall be a christian!
but Agrippa reply'd to Paul, you almost persuade me I shall be a christian!
but my meaning was, not to keep company with any christian known to be vicious, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious, no not even to eat with such a one.
but my meaning was, not to keep company with any christian known to be vicious, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious, no not even to eat with such a one.
but other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother.
but other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother.
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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when king Herod heard these things, he was alarm'd, and all Jerusalem with him.
Going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were in a bark with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and Jesus having called them,
is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers?
is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers?
having agreed with them for a penny a day, he sent them to his vineyard.
among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
is not he the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, of Juda and Simon? are not these his sisters, who are here with us? and they were scandalized at him.
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon surnamed the Zelot, Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who prov'd the traitor.
In the mean time the mother of Jesus, and her sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, were standing by the cross.