φιλαδελφία (philadelphia)
philadelphia
brotherly love
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun philadelphia denotes a specific kind of affection: brotherly love. It describes the warm, familial bond that Christians are called to share with one another. Rather than a general goodwill toward humanity, this term points to the particular care believers have for each other as members of God’s family.
Its structure is straightforward, combining the word for "love" (philia) with "brothers" (adelphoi). This compound makes its meaning clear: it is the love that exists between siblings. In the New Testament, it appears in key passages urging mutual kindness, such as Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:10 and his encouragement to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 4:9.
This concept highlights that Christian community is not merely a social gathering but a kinship. The love described here is practical and personal, rooted in the shared identity of believers. It serves as a visible marker of faith, showing how the church lives out its unity through genuine affection for one another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Brotherly love is more than a polite greeting or a casual friendliness. It is the warm, familial bond that connects believers as members of God’s family. This word combines 'love' and 'brothers' to describe the specific care we owe one another because of our shared identity in Christ. It is not just general goodwill toward humanity, but a practical, personal affection for those who walk the same path of faith.
When you feel tired or discouraged, remember that this love is a gift taught by God Himself. You do not have to manufacture it from scratch; you are already being guided to care for your spiritual siblings. This mutual kindness becomes a visible marker of your faith, showing the world how the church lives out its unity through genuine affection.
Let this truth encourage you today. Whether you are in a season of joy or struggle, you are part of a family that shares this deep connection. May you find comfort in knowing that God teaches you to love one another, and may you extend that same tender care to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brotherly love2×
- in brotherly love1×
- brotherly affection,1×
- brotherly affection1×
- Brotherly love1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλαδελφίᾳ2×
- φιλαδελφίας1×
- φιλαδελφίαν,1×
- φιλαδελφίαν1×
- φιλαδελφία1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 4:9
But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,
This verse highlights that the capacity for this specific familial love is divinely taught, relieving believers of the pressure to generate it solely through human effort.
-
Romans 12:10
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,
Here the term is linked with being 'tenderly affectionate' and preferring others in honor, showing that brotherly love involves active humility and respect within the community.
-
Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
The simple command to let this love 'continue' emphasizes its enduring nature as a steady practice rather than a fleeting emotion.