Greek Word For Brothers In John 7:3
In John 7:3, the brothers of Jesus tell him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works which you do" [2]. The Greek word translated as "brothers" in this verse is adelphoi, which, like its Hebrew counterpart, can have a broad range of meanings beyond immediate male siblings [3, 9].
The term "brother" (adelphos in Greek, ach in Hebrew) is used in various senses throughout the Old and New Testaments [3]. It can refer to a natural brother, as seen in Matthew 1:2 or Luke 3:1 [1]. However, it can also denote a near relative, such as a cousin or nephew, as in Genesis 13:8 where Abraham refers to Lot as his "brother" [1, 3]. Other uses include a fellow countryman (Matthew 5:47), a disciple or follower (Matthew 25:40), one of the same faith (1 Corinthians 5:11), a colleague in office (1 Corinthians 1:1), or simply a fellow human being (Genesis 9:5) [1]. The Babylonian Talmud also discusses the flexibility of the term "brothers" in rabbinic law, particularly concerning levirate marriage, where it can encompass different familial relationships [7, 8].
In the New Testament, the term adelphoi is frequently used to describe Christians, emphasizing their familial relationship in Christ [9]. For instance, Augustine notes that "brethren" often refers to Christians, citing an apostle's use of the term for a Christian spouse [5]. The early disciples of Jesus were known to each other as brethren [1]. Paul and other New Testament writers use adelphoi to indicate that believers are intimately tied to one another as family, and this term refers to both male and female Christians [9]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on 1 John 2:7 notes that "Beloved" is sometimes used interchangeably with "Brethren" in ancient manuscripts, highlighting the affectionate and familial connotation [6].
In the specific context of John 7:3, Jesus's brothers are presented as not yet believing in him [4]. Their suggestion for him to go to Judea appears cynical, implying they were challenging him to prove his claims [4]. This passage is often cited in discussions about the identity of Jesus's brothers, with some traditions interpreting "brothers" as literal siblings, while others understand it as referring to cousins or other close relatives, particularly in light of the broader semantic range of adelphoi [1, 3]. Mark 3:31 also mentions Jesus's mother and brothers coming to see him [4].
The broad application of "brother" in biblical texts underscores a communal and relational understanding that extends beyond immediate biological ties. This linguistic flexibility allows for diverse interpretations of passages like John 7:3, depending on whether the interpreter emphasizes the literal or broader familial and communal meanings of the term.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Brother — (1.) In the natural and common sense (Matt. 1:2; Luke 3:1, 19). (2.) A near relation, a cousin (Gen. 13:8; 14:16; Matt. 12:46; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; Gal. 1:19). (3.) Simply a fellow-countryman (Matt. 5:47; Acts 3:22; Heb. 7:5). (4.) A disciple or follower (Matt. 25:40; Heb. 2:11, 12). (5.) One of the same faith (Amos 1:9; Acts 9:30; 11:29; 1 Cor. 5:11); whence the early disciples of our Lord were known to each other as brethren. (6.) A colleague in office (Ezra 3:2; 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1). (7.) A fellow-man (Gen. 9:5; 19:7; Matt. 5:22, 23, 24; 7:5; Heb. 2:1”
- John “His brothers therefore said to him, “Depart from here, and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works which you do. -- John 7:3”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Brother — The Hebrew word is used in various senses in the Old Testament, as, + Any kinsman, and not a mere brother; e.g. nephew, (Genesis 13:8; 14:16) husband, (Song of Solomon 4:9) + One of the same tribe. (2 Samuel 19:13) + Of the same people, (Exodus 2:11) or even of a cognate people. (Numbers 20:14) + An ally. (Amos 1:9) + Any friend, (Job 5:15) + One of the same office. (1 Kings 9:13) + A fellow man. (Leviticus 19:17) + Metaphorically of any similarity, as in (Job 30:19) The word adelphos has a similar range of meanings in the New Testament.”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 7:3: 7:3-5 Jesus’ brothers (see also Mark 3:31) reminded him of his religious obligation to celebrate the festival. Their words were cynical because at this time they didn’t believe in him (John 7:5).”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — 1 JOHN V. 1-3. (part 18): we acknowledge, that there are some sins in brethren that are worse than the sin of enemies in persecuting. That "brethren" mean Christians, may be proved by many texts of Holy Writ; the plainest, however, is that of the apostle which he puts thus: "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother."(3) For he has not added our; but thought it plain enough, when by the term brother he spake of the Christian that should have an unbelieving wife. And accordingly he say”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 2:7: Brethren--The oldest manuscripts and versions read instead, "Beloved," appropriate to the subject here, love. no new commandment--namely, love, the main principle of walking as Christ walked (Jo1 2:6), and that commandment, of which one exemplification is presently given, Jo1 2:9-10, the love of brethren. ye had from the beginning--from the time that ye first heard the Gospel word preached.”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Yevamot 17b.7: The Gemara comments: And although Rav Yehuda and Rabba learned the same ruling from two different passages, according to both it was necessary to write “brothers” and it was necessary to write “together” in the verses discussing levirate marriage, as, if the Merciful One had written only “brothers,” I would say that one should infer the meaning of the term “brothers” from the term “brothers” from Lot. And if you would say it is not free there in the same way that the word “brothers” is free in the passage concerning the children of Jacob, this is not so; in fa”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Yevamot 17b.4: The Gemara raises an objection: Why should we learn from the children of Jacob? Let it derive the meaning of the term brotherhood by verbal analogy to the term brotherhood from the verses discussing those with whom relations are forbidden. In the halakhot of forbidden relations, both paternal and maternal half brothers are considered brothers, and are thereby subject to such prohibitions as those against relations with a brother’s wife. The Gemara answers: The first analogy is preferable, as we infer “brothers” from “brothers.” The word “brothers” is stated bo”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:13: 1:13 brothers and sisters: This Greek word (adelphoi) describes people who are in a familial relationship. Paul and other New Testament writers use this word to indicate that Christians are so intimately tied to one another in Christ that they are family. The word refers to both male and female Christians. • I was prevented until now: Paul wrote this letter when he was in Corinth toward the end of his third missionary journey (see Acts 20:2-4; cp. Rom 16:21-23). The need to plant and nourish churches in the eastern Mediterranean had occupied Paul up to this point.”