ἀδελφότης
brotherhood
Definition
ἀδελφότης refers to the collective body of believers bound together as a spiritual family. It denotes the Christian brotherhood or community, emphasizing the familial bond created through faith in Christ. In 1 Peter 2:17, it is commanded to 'love the brotherhood,' highlighting this communal identity. In 1 Peter 5:9, believers are reminded that their 'brotherhood throughout the world' shares in the same sufferings, underscoring its universal scope.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in 1 Peter. It is used to describe the global community of Christians, stressing their shared identity and mutual obligations. In 1 Peter 2:17, it is part of ethical exhortations to honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the emperor. In 1 Peter 5:9, it comforts believers by noting that their sufferings are experienced by the entire Christian brotherhood worldwide.
Etymology
Derived from ἀδελφός (adelphos, G80) meaning 'brother,' with the suffix -της (-tēs) forming an abstract noun indicating a collective group. Thus, it literally means 'brotherhood' or 'the state of being brothers.' It builds on the familial language used for the church, reflecting the new kinship established in Christ.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it captures the essence of the church as a spiritual family. It reinforces the doctrine of the universal church, transcending ethnic, social, and geographical boundaries. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the intimate, covenantal bond among believers, rooted in their shared adoption as children of God through Jesus Christ.
In the Greco-Roman world, brotherhood often referred to guilds, associations, or ethnic groups. The New Testament redefines it around faith in Christ, creating a new primary kinship that could challenge traditional family loyalties. This spiritual brotherhood offered a profound sense of belonging and mutual support in a diverse, often hostile empire.
ἀδελφός (adelphos, G80) — an individual brother; ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, G1577) — the assembly or church, focusing on its gathered nature; κοινωνία (koinōnia, G2842) — fellowship or sharing, emphasizing participation.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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