• One beloved or closely united with another in affection (2 Samuel 1:26; Acts 6:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:1 ). Brethren of Jesus (Matthew 1:25; 12:46,50 : Mark 3:31,32; Galatians 1:19; 1 Corinthians 9:5 , etc.) were probably the younger children of Joseph and Mary. Some have supposed that they may have been the children of Joseph by a former marriage, and others that they were the children of Mary, the Virgin's sister, and wife of Cleophas. The first interpretation, however, is the most natural.

    Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

    Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Brother'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/b/brother.html. 1897.