### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **philadelphía**, represented by `{{G5360}}`, defines **fraternal affection**. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition encompasses concepts of **brotherly love**, **kindness**, and **love of the brethren**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5360}}` is presented as a continuous and foundational aspect of faith. It is commanded to **continue** among believers [[Hebrews 13:1]]. Paul acknowledges that the Thessalonians were already **taught of God** to love one another and did not need to be written to about **brotherly love** [[1 Thessalonians 4:9]]. This love is demonstrated actively, paired with being **kindly affectioned** and **preferring one another** in **honour** [[Romans 12:10]]. Furthermore, it is described as the outcome of having **purified** one's soul, resulting in an **unfeigned love of the brethren** [[1 Peter 1:22]]. It is also positioned as a key virtue in spiritual growth, where believers add to godliness **brotherly kindness**, and to **brotherly kindness** they add **charity** [[2 Peter 1:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the practice of brotherly love:
* `{{G5387}}` **philóstorgos** (kindly affectioned): Defined as being "fond of natural relatives, i.e. fraternal towards fellow Christian," it is used directly with `{{G5360}}` to describe the required disposition among believers [[Romans 12:10]].
* `{{G505}}` **anypókritos** (unfeigned): This word, meaning "undissembled, i.e. sincere," qualifies brotherly love by emphasizing that it must be genuine and without hypocrisy [[1 Peter 1:22]].
* `{{G26}}` **agápē** (charity): This term for "love, i.e. affection or benevolence" is what believers are instructed to add after achieving brotherly kindness, signifying a progression toward a higher form of love [[2 Peter 1:7]].
* `{{G25}}` **agapáō** (to love): As the active verb, it calls believers to put brotherly love into practice, as they are instructed to **love** one another fervently [[1 Peter 1:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5360}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **A Foundational Command:** The call for **brotherly love** to **continue** [[Hebrews 13:1]] and the assumption that believers are "taught of God" in this area establishes it as a non-negotiable standard for the Christian community [[1 Thessalonians 4:9]].
* **The Fruit of Purity:** `{{G5360}}` is not simply an emotion but the direct result of sanctification. Scripture links having **purified** one's soul through obedience to the truth with attaining an **unfeigned love of the brethren** [[1 Peter 1:22]].
* **A Step Toward Divine Love:** The term holds a specific place in the development of Christian virtues. Believers are to add to godliness **brotherly kindness**, and from there add **charity** `{{G26}}`, positioning it as a vital step toward the fullest expression of love [[2 Peter 1:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5360}}` is far more than a simple familial term. It is a defining characteristic of the Christian community, expected to be active, sincere, and continuous. Rooted in a purified soul, it serves as a critical step in the believer's progression toward the ultimate virtue of charity. As seen in scripture, **philadelphía** is a foundational component of a life that is being sanctified.
TRV