### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀδελφή (adelphḗ, `{{G79}}`) is the feminine form of ἀδελφός (adelphós, `{{G80}}`), meaning "brother." Its core meaning refers to a female sibling, a sister by blood relation, sharing the same parents. Etymologically, it is thought to derive from a- (together) and delphys (womb), pointing to a shared origin.
Beyond this literal sense, ἀδελφή extends its semantic range significantly within the New Testament to denote a spiritual sister. This refers to a female fellow believer in Christ, a member of the Christian community, or the "family of God." This broader usage elevates the concept of kinship from biological ties to a spiritual bond forged through faith. Thus, the word encompasses both natural familial relationships and the ecclesiastical fellowship of believers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδελφή appears in the New Testament in both its literal and spiritual senses:
* **Literal Sister:**
* The most prominent examples are Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, frequently mentioned together in the Gospel of John (e.g., [[John 11:1]], [[John 11:3]], [[John 11:19]], [[John 11:21]], [[John 11:28]], [[John 11:32]], [[John 11:39]]). These instances clearly denote biological siblings.
* Jesus' own sisters are mentioned in [[Mark 6:3]], confirming His natural family ties.
* **Spiritual Sister (Ecclesiastical Usage):**
* Paul refers to Phoebe as "our sister" (ἡ ἀδελφὴ ἡμῶν) in [[Romans 16:1]]. This is a clear and significant example of a spiritual sister, indicating her status as a valued member of the Christian community and a servant (diakonos) of the church.
* In the context of marriage, Paul uses the phrase "believing wife" (ἀδελφὴν γυναῖκα – literally "sister-wife") in [[1 Corinthians 9:5]], implying a wife who is also a Christian sister, highlighting the spiritual unity within the marital bond.
* [[1 Corinthians 7:15]] speaks of a believing spouse as a "brother or a sister" (ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἀδελφὴ) in the context of a mixed marriage, emphasizing that the spiritual bond in Christ can supersede marital obligations in specific, challenging circumstances.
* [[James 2:15]] uses "brother or sister" (ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἀδελφὴ) to refer to any fellow member of the Christian community who is in need of practical assistance, underscoring the communal responsibility among believers.
These occurrences demonstrate a deliberate expansion of the word's meaning, reflecting the New Testament's emphasis on the church as a spiritual family.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of ἀδελφή is enriched by its relationship to several other key terms and theological concepts:
* `{{G80}}` (adelphós): As its masculine counterpart, "brother," adelphós shares the same core meaning and spiritual extension. The pair forms the foundational vocabulary for describing members of the Christian community.
* `{{G81}}` (adelphotēs): This noun, meaning "brotherhood" or "community of brethren," encapsulates the collective body of believers, both male and female, united in Christ.
* `{{G3962}}` (patēr) and `{{G3436}}` (matēr): "Father" and "mother." In the New Testament, God is frequently referred to as "Father" in a spiritual sense (e.g., [[Matthew 6:9]]), establishing the divine paternity of the spiritual family and solidifying the identity of believers as His children and, consequently, siblings to one another.
* `{{G1080}}` (gennaō): "To beget, to give birth." This verb is crucial for understanding the concept of being "born again" (e.g., [[John 3:3]], [[1 Peter 1:23]]) into God's family, which is the basis for spiritual kinship.
* **The Family of God:** This overarching theological concept is central to the New Testament's understanding of the Church. The consistent use of ἀδελφή and ἀδελφός underscores that believers are united by a new birth into God's household, forming a spiritual family bound by faith in Jesus Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀδελφή is multifaceted:
* **Redefinition of Family:** Jesus Himself redefined family, stating that those who do the will of God are His "brother and sister and mother" ([[Mark 3:35]]). This radical teaching elevates spiritual kinship above biological ties, establishing a new community based on divine will and shared faith. ἀδελφή is integral to this redefinition.
* **Inclusivity and Equality:** The consistent use of ἀδελφή alongside ἀδελφός for spiritual kin highlights the equal standing and participation of women within the early Christian community. Women were not merely passive recipients but active members, recognized as full "sisters" in the faith, with roles such as deaconess (Phoebe in [[Romans 16:1]]) and co-workers in the gospel. This challenges prevailing societal norms of the time.
* **Mutual Responsibility and Love:** The spiritual application of "sister" implies a profound bond of love, care, and mutual responsibility among believers. The exhortation in [[James 2:15]] to care for a "brother or sister" in need exemplifies the practical outworking of this familial bond, calling for tangible expressions of Christian love.
* **Unity in Christ:** The shared identity as "sisters" (and "brothers") underscores the fundamental unity of believers. Regardless of social status, ethnicity, or former religious background, all are one in Christ, members of the same spiritual household, sharing a common Father and a common Savior.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀδελφή (adelphḗ, `{{G79}}`) is a rich and significant term in the New Testament. While it literally denotes a biological sister, its profound theological depth emerges from its extended use to describe a "spiritual sister" – a fellow female believer in Christ. This ecclesiastical application, exemplified by Paul's reference to Phoebe in [[Romans 16:1]], underscores the New Testament's radical redefinition of family, where spiritual kinship transcends biological ties. Rooted in the concept of a shared spiritual birth through faith in God, ἀδελφή highlights the inclusivity, equality, and mutual responsibility inherent within the Christian community. It emphasizes the deep, familial bond that unites all who are in Christ, transforming diverse individuals into a singular, loving household of faith, bound by a common Father and a shared commitment to His will.
TRV