30 Powerful Bible Verses About Brothers (With Commentary)

Brothers play a unique and significant role in our lives, often being our first friends and lifelong companions. The Bible speaks extensively about the relationship between brothers, offering guidance on love, unity, and support. Here are 30 Bible verses about brothers, each accompanied by a brief commentary.

Bible Verses About Brothers

Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Brothers are meant to support each other through difficult times, embodying steadfast love.

Psalm 133:1

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Unity among brothers is a source of joy and harmony, pleasing to God.

1 John 4:20

“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

Genuine love for God is reflected in our love for our brothers.

Genesis 4:9

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?'”

We have a responsibility to care for and look out for our brothers.

1 John 3:15

“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”

Hatred towards a brother is equated with murder, underscoring the importance of love.

Matthew 5:22

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”

Anger and insults towards brothers are serious offenses, subject to divine judgment.

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Brothers are called to practice kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness towards each other.

Colossians 3:13

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Forgiveness is essential in maintaining a healthy relationship between brothers.

Romans 12:10

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Showing brotherly affection and honor strengthens the bond between siblings.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Encouragement and support are vital in nurturing brotherly relationships.

Hebrews 13:1

“Let brotherly love continue.”

Continuity in brotherly love is crucial, reflecting ongoing commitment and care.

James 5:16

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Mutual confession and prayer promote healing and strengthen brotherly bonds.

Proverbs 18:24

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

True brotherly love often surpasses even the strongest friendships.

Luke 15:32

“It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”

Celebrating a brother’s return or repentance fosters joy and reconciliation.

1 John 3:17

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

True brotherly love compels us to help and provide for each other in need.

Matthew 18:21-22

“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”

Forgiveness between brothers should be abundant and unending.

Bible Verses About Brothers

1 Corinthians 1:10

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Unity and agreement are essential for maintaining strong brotherly relationships.

Galatians 6:1

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

Gently restoring a brother who has erred fosters healing and growth.

John 13:34

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Jesus commands us to love our brothers as He has loved us.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

Brotherhood provides mutual support, ensuring help in times of need.

1 John 2:9

“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.”

Hatred towards a brother is incompatible with walking in God’s light.

Philippians 2:4

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

True brotherly love involves caring for each other’s interests and well-being.

Romans 14:13

“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”

Avoiding judgment and obstacles strengthens the bond between brothers.

1 Peter 3:8

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

A combination of unity, sympathy, and humility is key to strong brotherly relationships.

1 John 4:21

“And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Loving our brothers is a direct commandment from God, reflecting our love for Him.

Genesis 50:20

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers exemplifies turning harm into good through God’s plan.

Hebrews 10:24

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”

Encouraging each other to love and perform good deeds strengthens brotherly bonds.

Romans 12:16

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”

Living in harmony and humility fosters strong and loving relationships between brothers.

Ephesians 4:2-3

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Patience and humility are crucial for maintaining unity and peace among brothers.

1 John 3:10

“By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.”

Loving our brothers is a mark of being true children of God.

Conclusion – Bible Verses About Brothers

The Bible provides profound guidance on the significance of brotherly relationships, emphasizing love, unity, forgiveness, and mutual support. These verses encourage us to nurture and cherish our relationships with our brothers, reflecting the love and loyalty that God has for us.