Brief Overview of ἀδελφός (G80:)

ἀδελφός (adelphos):
The Greek word “ἀδελφός” (G80) is a noun meaning “brother.” It primarily refers to a male sibling but also has broader uses in the New Testament. Beyond the literal sense, it can denote a fellow believer or a member of the Christian community, highlighting a sense of spiritual kinship or fellowship among Christians.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἀδελφός (adelphos):

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G80), “ἀδελφός” means “brother.” It is used to refer to a male sibling, a fellow believer, or a member of the Christian community. The term emphasizes the relationship and connection among people in both familial and spiritual contexts.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon defines “ἀδελφός” as “a brother,” including both a male sibling and a fellow Christian. The lexicon notes its use in the New Testament to denote spiritual kinship among believers, as well as its traditional familial sense.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary explains that “ἀδελφός” refers to a “brother” in a literal sense (a male sibling) and in a figurative sense (a member of the Christian family). The term underscores the relational aspect of believers within the Christian community as brothers and sisters in Christ.

1. BDAG Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: BDAG provides a detailed definition of “ἀδελφός” as “brother,” used in both a literal and a figurative sense. It highlights its application to denote a male sibling and also its broader use in referring to fellow Christians or members of the same community, reflecting a sense of shared faith.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

Support our Israeli friends

Use code: FOG20 for a 20% discount.

Learn More

• Meaning: LSJ defines “ἀδελφός” as “brother,” used in both classical Greek and the New Testament. It acknowledges its use for a male sibling and also in a more general sense to describe members of the same group or community, including the Christian church.

Summary:
The Greek word “ἀδελφός” (G80) primarily means “brother,” referring to a male sibling. It is also used in a broader sense to denote a fellow believer or member of the Christian community. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, Vine’s Dictionary, BDAG, and LSJ all confirm its usage in both literal and figurative contexts, reflecting the relational and spiritual kinship among individuals within familial and ecclesiastical settings.