Bible Dictionary
BROTHERLY
Brotherly means showing the relationship, affection, or conduct of a brother. Scripture applies the idea to human alliances and especially to the brotherly love believers are to show one another.
Definition
Brotherly means resembling or acting as a brother, especially by showing fraternal affection and loyalty. It can describe human alliances as well as love among believers.
Biblical Usage
The idea appears in the “brotherly covenant” between Israel and Tyre, represented by David, Solomon, and Hiram. That relationship was later repudiated through Tyre’s treachery.
Historical Background
The underlying Hebrew and Greek expressions mean brother and brotherly love. The entry directs attention to the broader biblical idea of brotherly kindness or love.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bruth'-er-li ('ach, "brother"; philadelphia, "brotherly love"): Like a brother in all the large human relationships indicated above; e.g. the early friendly and fraternal alliance between Tyre and Israel as illustrated by "brotherly covenant" between David and Solomon, and Hiram, king of Tyre (2Sa 5:11; 1Ki 5:12), and repudiated in a later generation by the treachery of Tyre (Am 1:9).</p><p>See BROTHERLY KINDNESS (LOVE).</p>