Brother

Brother [N] [B] [S]

In the natural and common sense ( Matthew 1:2 ; Luke 3:1 Luke 3:19 ).

A near relation, a cousin ( Genesis 13:8 ; 14:16 ; Matthew 12:46 ; John 7:3 ; Acts 1:14 ; Galatians 1:19 ).

Simply a fellow-countryman ( Matthew 5:47 ; Acts 3:22 ; Hebrews 7:5 ).

A disciple or follower ( Matthew 25:40 ; Hebrews 2:11 Hebrews 2:12 ).

One of the same faith ( Amos 1:9 ; Acts 9:30 ; 11:29 ; 1 Corinthians 5:11 ); whence the early disciples of our Lord were known to each other as brethren.

A colleague in office ( Ezra 3:2 ; 1 Corinthians 1:1 ; 2 co 1:1 ).

A fellow-man ( Genesis 9:5 ; 19:7 ; Matthew 5:22 Matthew 5:23 Matthew 5:24 ; 7:5 ; Hebrews 2:17 ).

One beloved or closely united with another in affection ( 2 Samuel 1:26 ; Acts 6:3 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:1 ). Brethren of Jesus ( Matthew 1:25 ; Matthew 12:46 Matthew 12:50 : Mark 3:31 Mark 3:32 ; Galatians 1:19 ; 1 Corinthians 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.

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
[B] indicates this entry was also found in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary
[S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary

Bibliography Information

Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Brother". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .

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