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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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