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 thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember, that thy brother hath ought against thee,
Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the heathens so?
And why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother's eye, but observest not the beam in thine own eye?
While he yet talked to the multitude, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him. And one said to him, Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee. read more. And he answering said to him that told him, Who is my mother, and who are my brethren? And stretching forth his hand toward his disciples he said, Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother.
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James and Joses and Simon and Judas?
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James and Joses and Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath HE all these things?
Among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Then come his brethren and his mother, and standing without, sent to him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him; and they say to him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. read more. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother or my brethren? And looking round on them who sat about him, he said, Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother and sister and mother.
Simon (whom also he named Peter) and Andrew his brother: James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas, read more. James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called Zelotes, Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also was the traitor.
His brethren therefore said to him, Depart hence and go into Judea, that thy disciples there also may see the works which thou dost.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
For Moses truly said to the fathers, The Lord your God shall raise you up a prophet of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say to you.
Which the brethren knowing, brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Then the disciples determined to send relief, every one according to his ability, to the brethren who dwelt in Judea: Which also they did,
And verily they of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment (according to the law) to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, tho' they come out of 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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But he knew her not, till she had brought forth her Son, the first-born. And he called his name Jesus.
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be liable to the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be liable to the council; but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be liable to hell-fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember, that thy brother hath ought against thee, read more. Leaving thy gift there before the altar, go; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the heathens so?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother's eye.
While he yet talked to the multitude, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.
While he yet talked to the multitude, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother.
And the king shall answer and say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it to me.
Then come his brethren and his mother, and standing without, sent to him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him; and they say to him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
But Herod the tetrarch being reproved by him concerning Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and concerning all the evils which Herod had done, Added also this above all,
His brethren therefore said to him, Depart hence and go into Judea, that thy disciples there also may see the works which thou dost.
These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
For Moses truly said to the fathers, The Lord your God shall raise you up a prophet of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say to you.
Therefore, brethren, look out from among you seven men of good report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we will set over this business.
Which the brethren knowing, brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Then the disciples determined to send relief, every one according to his ability, to the brethren who dwelt in Judea: Which also they did,
But other of the apostles I saw none, save James, the brother of the Lord.
But other of the apostles I saw none, save James, the brother of the Lord.
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus a brother,
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus a brother,
For both he that sanctifieth, and all they that are sanctified, are of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
Wherefore it behoved him to be made in all things like his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high-priest, in things pertaining to God, to expiate the sins of the people.
And verily they of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment (according to the law) to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, tho' they come out of 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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But he knew her not, till she had brought forth her Son, the first-born. And he called his name Jesus.
But he knew her not, till she had brought forth her Son, the first-born. And he called his name Jesus.
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath HE all these things?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath HE all these things?
And the king shall answer and say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it to me.
And the king shall answer and say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it to me.
Among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Then saith Jesus to them, Fear not. Go tell my brethren to go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Then saith Jesus to them, Fear not. Go tell my brethren to go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
There were also women, beholding from afar, among whom was Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less, and of Joses, and Salome:
There were also women, beholding from afar, among whom was Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less, and of Joses, and Salome:
But he willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
But he willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who having stripped and wounded him departed, leaving him half dead.
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who having stripped and wounded him departed, leaving him half dead.
(For neither did his brethren believe on him.) Jesus saith to them, My time is not yet come: your time is always ready.
(For neither did his brethren believe on him.) Jesus saith to them, My time is not yet come: your time is always ready.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus therefore seeing his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, saith to his mother, Woman, behold thy son.
Jesus therefore seeing his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, saith to his mother, Woman, behold thy son.
She turning, saith to him, Rabboni; that is, Master. Jesus saith 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 to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.
She turning, saith to him, Rabboni; that is, Master. Jesus saith 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 to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.
These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
These all continued unanimously in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
And a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught a considerable multitude: and the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
And a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught a considerable multitude: and the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Then the disciples determined to send relief, every one according to his ability, to the brethren who dwelt in Judea: Which also they did,
Then the disciples determined to send relief, every one according to his ability, to the brethren who dwelt in Judea: Which also they did,
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
But I have now written unto you, if any who is named a brother, be a lewd person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious, not to converse with such an one, no, not to eat with him.
But I have now written unto you, if any who is named a brother, be a lewd person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious, not to converse with such an one, no, not to eat with him.
But other of the apostles I saw none, save James, the brother of the Lord.
But other of the apostles I saw none, save 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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When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.
And going on from thence, he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in a vessel with Zebedee their father mending their nets; and he called them.
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James and Joses and Simon and Judas?
Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James and Joses and Simon and Judas?
And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Is not this the carpenter? The son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, and of Judas and Simon! And are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called Zelotes, Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also was the traitor.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.