80. adelphos
Lexical Summary
adelphos: Brother

Original Word: ἀδελφός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: adelphos
Pronunciation: ah-del-FOS
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-el-fos')
KJV: brother
NASB: brethren, brother, brothers, brother's, believing husband
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a connective particle) and delphus "the womb"]

1. a brother
2. (of faith) a brother in our Lord, Jesus
{literally or figuratively; near or remote; much like G1}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
brother.

From a (as a connective particle) and delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like a) -- brother.

see GREEK a

see GREEK a

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a cop. prefix) and delphus (womb)
Definition
a brother
NASB Translation
believing husband (1), brethren (170), brethren* (13), brother (111), brother's (8), brothers (40).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 80: ἀδελφός

ἀδελφός, (οῦ, (from copulative and δελφύς, from the same womb; cf. ἀγάστωρ) (from Homer down);

1. a brother (whether born of the same two parents, or only of the same father or the same mother): Matthew 1:2; Matthew 4:18, and often. That 'the brethren of Jesus,' Matthew 12:46, 47 (but WH only in marginal reading); f; Mark 6:3 (in the last two passages also sisters); Luke 8:19; John 2:12; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19; 1 Corinthians 9:5, are neither sons of Joseph by a wife married before Mary (which is the account in the Apocryphal Gospels (cf. Thilo, Cod. Apocr. N. T. i. 362f)), nor cousins, the children of Alphaeus or Cleophas (i. e. Clopas) and Mary a sister of the mother of Jesus (the current opinion among the doctors of the church since Jerome and Augustine (cf. Lightfoot's Commentary on Galatians, diss. ii.)), according to that use of language by which ἀδελφός like the Hebrew אָח denotes any blood-relation or kinsman (Genesis 14:16; 1 Samuel 20:29; 2 Kings 10:13; 1 Chronicles 23:2, etc.), but own brothers, born after Jesus, is clear principally from Matthew 1:25 (only in R G); Luke 2:7 — where, had Mary borne no other children after Jesus, instead of υἱόν πρωτότοκον, the expression υἱόν μονογενῆ would have been used, as well as from Acts 1:14, cf. John 7:5, where the Lord's brethren are distinguished from the apostles. See further on this point under Ἰάκωβος, 3. (Cf. B. D. under the word ; Andrews, Life of our Lord, pp. 104-116; Bib. Sacr. for 1864, pp. 855-869; for 1869, pp. 745-758; Laurent, N. T. Studien, pp. 153-193; McClellan, note on Matthew 13:55.)

2. according to a Hebrew use of אָח (Exodus 2:11; Exodus 4:18, etc.), hardly to be met with in secular authors, having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, countryman; so the Jews (as the σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ, υἱοί Ἰσραήλ, cf. Acts 13:26; (in Deuteronomy 15:3 opposed to ἀλλότριος, cf. Acts 17:15; Acts 15:12; Philo de septen. § 9 at the beginning)) are called ἀδελφοί: Matthew 5:47; Acts 3:22 (Deuteronomy 18:15); ; Romans 9:3; in address, Acts 2:29; Acts 3:17; Acts 23:1; Hebrews 7:5.

3. just as in Leviticus 19:17 the word אָח is used interchangeably with רֵַעַ (but, as Leviticus 19:16, 18 show, in speaking of Israelites), so in the sayings of Christ, Matthew 5:22, 24; Matthew 7:3ff, ἀδελφός is used for πλησίον to denote (as appears from Luke 10:29ff) any fellow-man — as having one and the same father with others, viz. God (Hebrews 2:11), and as descended from the same first ancestor (Acts 17:26); cf. Epictetus diss. 1, 13, 3.

4. a fellow-believer, united to another by the bond of affection; so most frequently of Christians, constituting as it were but a single family: Matthew 23:8; John 21:23; Acts 6:3 (Lachmann omits); ; Galatians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Philippians 1:14, etc.; in courteous address, Romans 1:13; Romans 7:1; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 John 2:7 Rec., and often elsewhere; yet in the phraseology of John it has reference to the new life unto which men are begotten again by the efficiency of a common father, even God: 1 John 2:9ff; ; etc., cf. 1 John 5:1.

5. an associate in employment or office: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 2:13(12); Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 1:1.

6. brethren of Christ is used of,

a. his brothers by blood; see 1 above.

b. all men: Matthew 25:40 (Lachmann brackets); Hebrews 2:11f (others refer these examples to d.)

c. apostles: Matthew 28:10; John 20:17.

d. Christians, as those who are destined to be exalted to the same heavenly δόξα (which see, III. 4 b.) which he enjoys: Romans 8:29.

Topical Lexicon
Literal Kinship

In the Gospels ἀδελφός often identifies physical brothers born of the same parents (Matthew 1:2; Mark 6:3; Luke 3:1). Jesus’ own household is listed: “Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?” (Mark 6:3). The term is likewise used for ordinary family accounts (Luke 14:12; Luke 15:27). Such verses remind readers that the incarnation entered an everyday human family and validate the goodness of natural ties while preparing for their transformation in Christ.

Redefined by Christ

Jesus enlarges the concept of brotherhood to encompass all who submit to God’s will. “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Here biological relations yield to covenant loyalty. After His resurrection He instructs the women, “Go, tell My brothers to go to Galilee” (Matthew 28:10), signalling that the risen Lord now counts disciples as brothers, sharing His Father with them (John 20:17).

Covenant Identity in the Early Church

Luke’s record of Acts reveals ἀδελφοί as the preferred address within the believing community. From the first assembly in the upper room (Acts 1:15) through the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:23) to Paul’s arrival at Rome (Acts 28:15), Christians call one another “brothers,” expressing solidarity that transcended ethnicity, status, and geography. The greeting is not honorary but declarative, stating that God has adopted each member into a single household (Ephesians 2:19).

Brotherly Love

Brotherhood carries ethical weight. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14). Love is concrete: sharing material goods (1 John 3:17), guarding consciences (Romans 14:13), and restoring the erring (James 5:19). Failure to love a brother exposes counterfeit faith (1 John 4:20). The motive is Christ’s example: “He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1 John 3:16).

Equality and Mutual Respect

Jesus rejects hierarchical titles that diminish brotherhood: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers” (Matthew 23:8). Paul adopts the same spirit when he calls affluent believers to regard enslaved believers “not as slaves, but better than slaves, as beloved brothers” (Philemon 1:16), and when he instructs Timothy that believing masters are “brothers” (1 Timothy 6:2). In Christ social distinctions are real yet relativized; equality before the cross rules Christian conduct.

Discipline and Reconciliation

Because the church is a family, sin is addressed personally: “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately” (Matthew 18:15). Reconciliation is urgent; worship is postponed until peace is sought (Matthew 5:24). Lawsuits before unbelievers are shameful precisely because brothers should settle matters within the household of faith (1 Corinthians 6:6). Persistent unrepentance leads to loving separation, “yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:15).

Costly Allegiance

End-time warnings predict division inside natural families: “Brother will betray brother to death” (Mark 13:12). Loyalty to Jesus may cost disciples their nearest ties (Luke 14:26), but the Lord compensates with a hundredfold of brothers and sisters in the present age (Mark 10:29-30). Thus ἀδελφός embodies both the pain of loss and the comfort of the church’s embrace.

Missionary Partnership

Paul frequently attaches ἀδελφός to coworkers: Sosthenes (1 Corinthians 1:1), Timothy (2 Corinthians 1:1), Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25), and Quartus (Romans 16:23). The title underscores shared authority and shared toil. When the Macedonians send relief “to the brothers living in Judea” (Acts 11:29), practical generosity knits scattered assemblies into one mission.

Christ the Firstborn

Romans 8:29 exalts the goal of redemption: believers are “conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.” The resurrected Jesus, therefore, stands as elder brother, guaranteeing family likeness and inheritance (Hebrews 2:11-12). Hymnic lines in Hebrews 2 place Psalm 22:22 on Jesus’ lips: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers.” His mediatorial role makes the family possible; His worship becomes theirs.

Heavenly Advocacy and Victory

Revelation views the church’s cosmic struggle through the lens of brotherhood. Satan is “the accuser of our brothers…overcome by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:10-11). Angelic servants identify themselves as “a fellow servant with you and with your brothers” (Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9), affirming the dignity of the saints in the heavenly court.

Ministerial Implications Today

1. Preaching: Emphasize adoption and equality; avoid language or structures that erode the consciousness of shared sonship.
2. Pastoral care: Cultivate familial affection—hospitality, material assistance, patient instruction, and corrective discipline—all practiced as among brothers and sisters.
3. Missions and mercy: Ground cross-cultural generosity in Romans 15:30, where Paul beseeches, “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ…to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”
4. Apologetics: Point doubters to the historical transformation of diverse peoples into one brotherhood as evidence of the gospel’s power.

Summary

ἀδελφός in the New Testament moves from bloodlines to the blood of Christ, from shared parentage to shared participation in the divine nature. Its 343 occurrences weave a tapestry of identity, affection, duty, and destiny. The church’s credibility rests, in part, on living out the reality that in Christ “we, who are many, are one body, and each member belongs to one another” (Romans 12:5)—the very heart of New Testament brotherhood.

Forms and Transliterations
Αδελφε αδελφέ Ἀδελφέ αδελφοι αδελφοί ἀδελφοί ἀδελφοὶ αδελφοις αδελφοίς ἀδελφοῖς αδελφον αδελφόν ἀδελφόν ἀδελφὸν αδελφος αδελφός ἀδελφός ἀδελφὸς αδελφου αδελφού αδελφόυ ἀδελφοῦ αδελφους αδελφούς άδελφους ἀδελφούς ἀδελφοὺς αδελφω αδελφώ ἀδελφῷ αδελφων αδελφών ἀδελφῶν Adelphe Adelphé adelpho adelphō adelphoi adelphoí adelphoì adelphôi adelphō̂i adelphois adelphoîs adelphon adelphón adelphòn adelphôn adelphōn adelphō̂n adelphos adelphós adelphòs adelphou adelphoû adelphous adelphoús adelphoùs
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 1:2 N-AMP
GRK: καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ
NAS: the father of Judah and his brothers.
KJV: and his brethren;
INT: and the brothers of him

Matthew 1:11 N-AMP
GRK: καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ
NAS: of Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time
KJV: his brethren, about the time
INT: and the brothers of him at [the time]

Matthew 4:18 N-AMP
GRK: εἶδεν δύο ἀδελφούς Σίμωνα τὸν
NAS: two brothers, Simon
KJV: saw two brethren, Simon called
INT: he saw two brothers Simon who

Matthew 4:18 N-AMS
GRK: Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ βάλλοντας
NAS: and Andrew his brother, casting
KJV: Andrew his brother, casting a net
INT: Andrew the brother of him casting

Matthew 4:21 N-AMP
GRK: ἄλλους δύο ἀδελφούς Ἰάκωβον τὸν
NAS: other brothers, James
KJV: other two brethren, James [the son] of
INT: others two brothers James the [son]

Matthew 4:21 N-AMS
GRK: Ἰωάννην τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν
NAS: and John his brother, in the boat
KJV: John his brother, in a ship
INT: John the brother of him in

Matthew 5:22 N-DMS
GRK: ὀργιζόμενος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ἔνοχος
NAS: who is angry with his brother shall be guilty
KJV: with his brother without a cause
INT: is angry with the brother of him liable

Matthew 5:22 N-DMS
GRK: εἴπῃ τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ Ῥακά
NAS: says to his brother, You good-for-nothing,'
KJV: to his brother, Raca,
INT: shall say to brother of him Raca

Matthew 5:23 N-NMS
GRK: ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἔχει
NAS: remember that your brother has
KJV: that thy brother hath ought
INT: that the brother of you has

Matthew 5:24 N-DMS
GRK: διαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου καὶ
NAS: be reconciled to your brother, and then
KJV: be reconciled to thy brother, and then
INT: be reconciled to brother of you and

Matthew 5:47 N-AMP
GRK: ἀσπάσησθε τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ὑμῶν μόνον
NAS: only your brothers, what
KJV: ye salute your brethren only, what
INT: you greet the brothers of you only

Matthew 7:3 N-GMS
GRK: ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου τὴν
NAS: at the speck that is in your brother's eye,
KJV: that is in thy brother's eye, but
INT: eye the brother of you

Matthew 7:4 N-DMS
GRK: ἐρεῖς τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου Ἄφες
NAS: can you say to your brother, 'Let
KJV: to thy brother, Let
INT: will you say to the brother of you Allow

Matthew 7:5 N-GMS
GRK: ὀφθαλμοῦ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου
NAS: the speck out of your brother's eye.
KJV: out of thy brother's eye.
INT: eye of the brother of you

Matthew 10:2 N-NMS
GRK: Ἀνδρέας ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ καὶ
NAS: and Andrew his brother; and James
KJV: Andrew his brother; James [the son] of
INT: Andrew the brother of him and

Matthew 10:2 N-NMS
GRK: Ἰωάννης ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ
NAS: and John his brother;
KJV: John his brother;
INT: John the brother of him

Matthew 10:21 N-NMS
GRK: παραδώσει δὲ ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς
NAS: Brother will betray brother
KJV: And the brother shall deliver up
INT: will deliver up moreover brother brother to

Matthew 10:21 N-AMS
GRK: δὲ ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον
NAS: will betray brother to death,
KJV: shall deliver up the brother to
INT: moreover brother brother to death

Matthew 12:46 N-NMP
GRK: καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ εἱστήκεισαν
NAS: His mother and brothers were standing
KJV: and his brethren stood without,
INT: and the brothers of him were standing

Matthew 12:47 Noun-NMP
GRK: καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω
INT: and the brothers of you outside

Matthew 12:48 N-NMP
GRK: εἰσὶν οἱ ἀδελφοί μου
NAS: is My mother and who are My brothers?
KJV: are my brethren?
INT: are the brothers of me

Matthew 12:49 N-NMP
GRK: καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου
NAS: Behold My mother and My brothers!
KJV: and my brethren!
INT: and the brothers of me

Matthew 12:50 N-NMS
GRK: αὐτός μου ἀδελφὸς καὶ ἀδελφὴ
NAS: who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister
KJV: is my brother, and sister,
INT: he my brother and sister

Matthew 13:55 N-NMP
GRK: καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ Ἰάκωβος
NAS: Mary, and His brothers, James
KJV: and his brethren, James, and
INT: and the brothers of him James

Matthew 14:3 N-GMS
GRK: Φιλίππου τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ
NAS: the wife of his brother Philip.
KJV: sake, his brother Philip's wife.
INT: of Philip the brother of him

Strong's Greek 80
343 Occurrences


Ἀδελφέ — 6 Occ.
ἀδελφῷ — 14 Occ.
ἀδελφῶν — 21 Occ.
ἀδελφοὶ — 145 Occ.
ἀδελφοῖς — 17 Occ.
ἀδελφὸν — 41 Occ.
ἀδελφός — 43 Occ.
ἀδελφοῦ — 17 Occ.
ἀδελφοὺς — 39 Occ.

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