Pronunciation Guide: ah-del-FOH-tace

Basic Definition

Strong’s G81: ἀδελφότης refers to the spiritual brotherhood or sisterhood of believers in Christ, emphasizing the familial bond shared among Christians as children of God. This term uniquely captures the intimate fellowship and mutual care that characterizes authentic Christian community.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Root Word: ἀδελφός (adelphos, brother)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Teaching and Pastoral Letters

Word Morphology:

• ἀδελφότης (nominative singular) – brotherhood
• ἀδελφότητος (genitive singular) – of brotherhood
• ἀδελφότητι (dative singular) – in/with brotherhood
• ἀδελφότητα (accusative singular) – brotherhood (as direct object)

Word Origin & History

The term ἀδελφότης emerges from the root word ἀδελφός, which literally means “from the same womb,” highlighting the closest possible familial relationship. In classical Greek literature, Plato used related terms to describe civic brotherhood in “The Republic,” though without the spiritual dimension that would later characterize its New Testament usage.

The concept evolved significantly in Hellenistic Judaism, where it began to take on more spiritual connotations, particularly in describing the community of faith. This development laid the groundwork for its distinctive New Testament application.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The state of being spiritually related as brothers and sisters in Christ
• The community of believers functioning as a spiritual family
• The practice of brotherly affection and mutual care among believers

Translation Options:

1. “Brotherhood” – Best captures the familial nature but may need gender-inclusive consideration
2. “Family of Believers” – Emphasizes the inclusive community aspect
3. “Christian Fellowship” – Highlights the relational dynamic though loses some familial emphasis

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀδελφότης appears only twice, but these occurrences are theologically significant. The term emphasizes the universal nature of Christian fellowship that transcends geographical, cultural, and social boundaries.

The Apostle Peter employs this term to emphasize the worldwide community of believers united in their struggles and victories. This usage suggests a profound understanding of the church as a family bound together by something stronger than blood – the Spirit of God.

• “[στερεοὶ τῇ πίστει, εἰδότες τὰ αὐτὰ τῶν παθημάτων τῇ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ὑμῶν] ἀδελφότητι [ἐπιτελεῖσθαι]” the brotherhood throughout the world 1 Peter 5:9
• “τὴν] ἀδελφότητα [ἀγαπᾶτε]” Love the brotherhood 1 Peter 2:17

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Roman world, the concept of brotherhood carried significant social and legal implications. Roman social clubs (collegia) often used familial terminology, but the Christian ἀδελφότης was revolutionary in crossing social boundaries. While Roman brotherhoods were typically limited by class, gender, or profession, the Christian brotherhood united slaves with free persons, Jews with Gentiles, and men with women in one spiritual family.

This radical inclusivity caused significant social tension and partly explains why early Christians faced persecution. Their commitment to treating all members as spiritual siblings challenged the rigid social hierarchies of the Roman world.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀδελφότης beautifully illustrates the transformative nature of salvation in Christ. Through faith, believers are adopted into God’s family, receiving not only a new Father but also a new family. This spiritual kinship is not merely metaphorical but represents a real spiritual bond formed by the Holy Spirit.

This brotherhood transcends natural family ties while not negating them, creating a new community where believers are called to demonstrate supernatural love and care for one another. It reflects the unity for which Jesus prayed in John 17:21 and embodies the early church’s radical sharing of life described in Acts 2:42-47.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀδελφότης challenges us to examine how we view and treat our fellow believers. Do we see them truly as family members for whom we would sacrifice? This concept calls us beyond mere church attendance to deep, authentic community marked by mutual care, shared resources, and spiritual encouragement.

In our increasingly isolated modern world, embracing true Christian brotherhood offers a powerful antidote to loneliness and individualism, calling us to live as God intended – in genuine, sacrificial community.

Related Words

• φιλαδελφία (philadelphia) [fil-ah-del-FEE-ah] – brotherly love, specific expression of brotherhood. See G5360
• κοινωνία (koinonia) [koy-nohn-EE-ah] – fellowship, shared participation. See G2842
• ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) [ek-klay-SEE-ah] – church, called-out assembly. See G1577

Did you Know?

• The term ἀδελφότης appears in early Christian martyrdom accounts, where prisoners referred to their fellow believers as their true family, often choosing their spiritual family over biological family members who urged them to recant their faith.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀδελφότης in religious contexts, particularly in Orthodox monasticism, where it refers to the community of monks living together.
• The revolutionary nature of Christian ἀδελφότης is evidenced in ancient Roman documents that criticize Christians for calling slaves their “brothers” and treating them as equals in their assemblies.

Remember This

ἀδελφότης represents not just a spiritual concept but a divine reality that should transform how we live, love, and relate as members of God’s family.