The Greek word adelphḗ, represented by G79, is the feminine term for sister. It appears 24 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. As the feminine of ἀδελφός, it refers to a sister, either naturally in a biological family or ecclesiastically as a fellow believer in the faith.
In the biblical narrative, G79 is used in several key contexts. It denotes a literal, familial relationship, as seen in the account of Martha and her sister, Mary (John 11:1, Luke 10:39). The term is also used when referring to the biological sisters of Jesus (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:56). The concept is expanded to an ecclesiastical or spiritual sense, where fellow believers are considered family. For example, Paul commends "Phebe our sister" to the church in Rome Romans 16:1, and instructs that younger women in the church be treated as sisters with all purity 1 Timothy 5:2.
Several related words help define the familial context in which adelphḗ is found:
- G80 adelphós (a brother): As the direct male counterpart, this word is often used alongside adelphḗ to encompass both male and female siblings, whether in a natural family or within the church (James 2:15, 1 Corinthians 7:15).
- G3384 mḗtēr (a "mother"): This term for a female parent is frequently listed with sister and brother, particularly when Jesus redefines His family as those who do the will of God (Matthew 12:50, Mark 3:35).
- G3962 patḗr (a "father"): The word for a male parent, used to define the earthly family ties that must be secondary to one's commitment to Christ Luke 14:26.
- G1135 gynḗ (a woman; specially, a wife): This term for a woman or wife is listed with sister both in the context of family relationships one might leave for the gospel Matthew 19:29 and in the context of a believing wife, described as "a sister, a wife" 1 Corinthians 9:5.
The theological weight of G79 is significant in defining the nature of the Christian community.
- The New Spiritual Family: The term is central to Jesus's redefinition of kinship. He states that whoever does God's will is His "brother, and my sister, and mother," shifting primary identity from blood relations to shared spiritual obedience (Mark 3:35, Matthew 12:50).
- The Cost of Discipleship: The relationship with a sister is presented as one of the most intimate earthly ties. Its inclusion in lists of what one may have to forsake for Christ highlights the radical commitment required of a disciple (Luke 14:26, Matthew 19:29).
- Ecclesiastical Unity and Care: By addressing fellow believers like Phebe as a sister Romans 16:1 or referring to an "elect sister" 2 John 1:13, the writers of the New Testament frame the church as a new family. This implies a relationship of mutual support, love, and responsibility James 2:15.
In summary, G79 adelphḗ is far more than a simple familial label. It is a vital term that illustrates the New Testament's emphasis on the spiritual family of God. Whether referring to a literal relative like Martha John 11:39 or a respected member of the church Romans 16:1, the word redefines relationships based on a shared faith in and obedience to God. It encapsulates both the deep personal cost of discipleship and the profound blessing of belonging to the household of faith.
TRV