ἀδελφότης (adelphotēs)
adelphotēs
brotherhood
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun adelphotēs denotes the concrete reality of brotherhood, referring specifically to the community of believers as a family bound by faith. Unlike terms that emphasize abstract affection, this word points to the collective body itself—the "brotherhood" or Christian community where members relate to one another as siblings in Christ.
Its usage is distinctive for its scarcity and focus. Occurring only twice in the New Testament, both instances appear in 1 Peter (2:17; 5:9), where it serves as a direct address to the scattered churches. Here, the term underscores the mutual responsibility and unity required within the church, framing the congregation not merely as an organization but as a kinship group.
The word derives from adelphos ("brother"), shifting the focus from individual relation to the corporate identity of the group. In the Septuagint, it appears in Maccabees to describe national kinship, a sense that Peter adapts for the spiritual family. Translators typically render it as "brotherhood" or "the brotherhood," preserving the emphasis on communal belonging rather than isolated piety.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word reminds us that our faith is never a solitary journey. The Greek term adelphotēs points to the concrete reality of the Christian community, treating believers not as strangers but as siblings bound by shared trust in Christ. It shifts the focus from individual piety to our collective identity, highlighting that we belong to one another.
When 1 Peter 2:17 urges us to 'love the brotherhood,' it calls for active care toward this spiritual family. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to uphold the unity and dignity of those who share our faith. It grounds our daily interactions in the truth that we are part of a larger, enduring kinship.
Even when facing difficulties, as noted in 1 Peter 5:9, this bond remains strong. Knowing that others worldwide undergo similar struggles provides comfort and solidarity. We are held together by a mutual responsibility to withstand challenges with steadfast faith, finding strength in the shared experience of being God's family.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brotherhood2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀδελφότητι1×
- ἀδελφότητα1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
This verse commands active love toward the brotherhood, framing it as a core duty alongside honoring God and civil authorities.
-
I Peter 5:9
Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
Here the term highlights the shared suffering of believers globally, encouraging steadfastness through the knowledge that others face similar trials.