φιλάδελφος (philadelphos)
philadelphos
loving the brothers
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective philadelphos describes a deep affection for one’s fellow believers, literally meaning "loving like a brother." While its components combine words for love and kinship, the term in Scripture extends beyond biological family to encompass the spiritual bond shared within the Christian community. It captures a warmth that treats other Christians with the same natural care and loyalty found among siblings.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, serving as a key descriptor in Peter’s instruction to believers (1 Peter 3:8). Here, it is paired with terms for sympathy and humility, suggesting that this brotherly love is not an isolated emotion but part of a broader posture of unity. The usage highlights how early Christians viewed their shared faith as creating a new familial tie, distinct from yet fulfilling the highest ideals of human kinship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word philadelphos captures a specific kind of love that mirrors the loyalty and care found between siblings. In 1 Peter 3:8, this term invites believers to treat one another with the same natural warmth and protection they would offer their own brothers and sisters. It moves beyond polite acquaintance to a deeper, familial bond rooted in shared faith.
This brotherly love is not meant to be an isolated feeling but part of a broader posture that includes being like-minded and compassionate. When we extend this kind of care to fellow Christians, we reflect the unity Christ prayed for. It reminds us that the church is a family where every member deserves respect and tenderheartedness.
Embracing this attitude helps build a community where people feel truly seen and valued. As you interact with others in your faith circle, consider how you might show them the same steady, loyal care that defines a close sibling relationship. This simple shift can bring great peace to your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- loving as brothers,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλάδελφοι,1×