Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of friendship is deeply rooted in the values of loyalty, love, and mutual support. The Bible presents friendship as a significant and influential relationship, often reflecting the love and faithfulness that God desires in His relationship with humanity.Old Testament The Hebrew word for friend, "rēaʿ," appears frequently in the Old Testament, often denoting a companion or neighbor. One of the most notable examples of friendship is the relationship between David and Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 18:1, it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself." This profound bond exemplifies the depth of friendship, characterized by loyalty and selflessness, as Jonathan even risked his own life to protect David from Saul (1 Samuel 20:30-34). Proverbs offers wisdom on the nature of friendship, emphasizing the importance of choosing friends wisely. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity," highlighting the steadfastness expected in true friendship. Additionally, Proverbs 27:17 illustrates the mutual benefit of friendship: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." New Testament In the New Testament, the Greek word "philos" is often used to describe a friend. Jesus Christ redefined the concept of friendship through His teachings and actions. In John 15:13-15, Jesus declares, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." Here, Jesus elevates His disciples to the status of friends, emphasizing the sacrificial love and intimate knowledge shared between friends. The early Christian community also exemplified friendship through their fellowship and mutual care. Acts 2:44-47 describes the believers as being together and having everything in common, selling their possessions to give to anyone in need, and meeting together with glad and sincere hearts. This communal life reflects the essence of friendship as a supportive and loving relationship. Theological Implications Friendship in the Bible is not merely a social construct but a reflection of divine love and covenantal faithfulness. It serves as a model for human relationships, encouraging believers to embody the love, loyalty, and sacrifice demonstrated by Christ. The biblical portrayal of friendship challenges individuals to seek relationships that honor God and reflect His love to the world. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to cultivate friendships that are rooted in love, truth, and mutual edification. The Bible warns against friendships that lead one astray, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33: "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Instead, Christians are called to be discerning in their relationships, seeking friends who will encourage them in their faith and walk with God. In summary, the biblical concept of friendship is a profound and sacred bond that mirrors the love and faithfulness of God. It is characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual edification, serving as a vital component of the Christian life and community. ATS Bible Dictionary FriendAbraham is signally honored in being called "the friend of God," Isaiah 41:8 James 2:23. Christ granted a similar honor and blessing to his disciples, John 15:15. It is a different word, however, in Greek, by which he addressed Judas, Matthew 26:50; the word there translated friend, means simply companion, and appears to have been used as a conversational term not implying friendship. The same word occurs in Matthew 20:13 22:12. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect, and affection that he seeks his society aud welfare; a well-wisher; an intimate associate; sometimes, an attendant.2. (n.) One not inimical or hostile; one not a foe or enemy; also, one of the same nation, party, kin, etc., whose friendly feelings may be assumed. The word is some times used as a term of friendly address. 3. (n.) One who looks propitiously on a cause, an institution, a project, and the like; a favorer; a promoter; as, a friend to commerce, to poetry, to an institution. 4. (n.) One of a religious sect characterized by disuse of outward rites and an ordained ministry, by simplicity of dress and speech, and esp. by opposition to war and a desire to live at peace with all men. They are popularly called Quakers. 5. (n.) A paramour of either sex. 6. (v. t.) To act as the friend of; to favor; to countenance; to befriend. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FRIEND; FRIENDSHIPfrend, frend'-ship: In the Old Testament two words, variously translated "friend" or "companion": re`eh, indicating a mere associate, passing friend, neighbor, or companion; 'ahabh, indicating affection natural or unnatural. In the New Testament also two words: hetairos, "a comrade," or "fellow," and philos, suggesting a more affectionate relation. BRIDEGROOM; BRIDEGROOM, FRIEND OF brid'-groom; Greek 2321. Theophilos -- "friend of God," Theophilus, the addressee of ... ... "friend of ... Word Origin from theos and philos Definition "friend of God," Theophilus, the addressee of Luke and Acts NASB Word Usage Theophilus (2). Theophilus. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2321.htm - 6k 4939. suntrophos -- one brought up with, ie a foster brother or an ... 734. Artemas -- "gift of Artemis," Artemas, a friend of the ... 2083. hetairos -- a companion 5384. philos -- beloved, dear, friendly 5363. philanthropia -- love for mankind, kindness 5385. philosophia -- the love or pursuit of wisdom 5386. philosophos -- a philosopher 865. aphilagathos -- without love of good 4139. plesion -- near, neighboring Strong's Hebrew 7453. rea -- friend, companion, fellowrea or rea. 7452, 7453. rea or rea. 7454 . friend, companion, fellow. Transliteration: rea or rea Phonetic Spelling: (ray'-ah) Short Definition: neighbor. ... /hebrew/7453.htm - 6k 4828. merea -- friend, companion 7463b. reeh -- a friend 7462c. raah -- to be a special friend 7467. Reuel -- "friend of God," Moses' father-in-law, also an ... 276. Achuzzath -- "possession," a friend of Abimelech 4378. makkar -- acquaintance, friend 8018. Shelemyah -- "friend of Yah," the name of several Israelites 464. Eliphaz -- "God is fine gold," a son of Esau, also a friend ... 2437. Chirah -- a friend of Judah Library The Friend Death, the Friend The Best Friend A Faithful Friend A Faithful Friend Legacy to a Friend The Unrivalled Friend The Publicans' Friend By the Bier of a Friend. The Friend at Midnight. Thesaurus Friend (139 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) One who looks propitiously on a cause, an institution, a project, and the like; a favorer; a promoter; as, a friend to commerce, to poetry, to an ... /f/friend.htm - 40k Friend's (3 Occurrences) Friendship (13 Occurrences) Intimate (12 Occurrences) Zabud (1 Occurrence) Lover (55 Occurrences) Familiar (35 Occurrences) Onesiphorus (2 Occurrences) Friendly (17 Occurrences) Regemmelech (1 Occurrence) Resources How can a friend stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is a friend of sinners? | GotQuestions.org Should a married person have a close friend of the opposite sex? | GotQuestions.org Friend: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Friend (139 Occurrences)Matthew 11:19 Matthew 20:13 Matthew 22:12 Matthew 26:50 Luke 5:20 Luke 7:5 Luke 7:34 Luke 11:5 Luke 11:6 Luke 11:8 Luke 14:10 John 3:29 John 11:3 John 11:11 John 11:37 John 14:18 John 18:15 John 18:16 John 18:37 John 19:12 Acts 12:20 Acts 13:7 Romans 14:1 Romans 16:2 Romans 16:5 Romans 16:9 Romans 16:12 Galatians 4:16 Colossians 4:14 1 Thessalonians 5:11 1 Timothy 3:2 2 Timothy 4:11 Philemon 1:1 Philemon 1:17 James 2:23 James 4:4 1 John 2:1 3 John 1:1 3 John 1:2 3 John 1:5 3 John 1:11 Revelation 2:13 Genesis 26:26 Genesis 38:1 Genesis 38:12 Genesis 38:20 Genesis 39:21 Exodus 23:4 Exodus 32:27 Exodus 33:11 Leviticus 25:14 Leviticus 25:15 Deuteronomy 13:6 Deuteronomy 19:4 Deuteronomy 19:5 Judges 7:13 Judges 7:14 Judges 14:20 Judges 15:2 Judges 15:6 Ruth 4:1 2 Samuel 9:1 2 Samuel 9:3 2 Samuel 13:3 2 Samuel 15:37 2 Samuel 16:16 2 Samuel 16:17 1 Kings 4:5 1 Kings 5:1 1 Kings 16:11 1 Chronicles 19:2 1 Chronicles 27:33 2 Chronicles 20:7 Nehemiah 13:4 Job 6:14 Job 6:27 Job 12:4 Job 16:20 Job 16:21 Job 17:5 Job 36:33 Psalms 7:4 Psalms 15:3 Psalms 35:14 Psalms 41:9 Psalms 50:18 Psalms 55:13 Psalms 88:18 Psalms 101:4 Psalms 119:63 Psalms 142:4 Proverbs 2:17 Proverbs 3:28 Proverbs 3:32 Proverbs 6:1 Proverbs 6:3 Proverbs 7:4 Proverbs 8:12 Proverbs 11:9 Proverbs 12:26 Subtopics Related Terms |