Topical Encyclopedia
The term "comrade" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of companionship, fellowship, and mutual support is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. The idea of comradeship can be seen in the relationships between individuals who share a common purpose or mission, often in the context of spiritual or communal endeavors.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew concept of fellowship and companionship is often expressed through terms like "friend" or "brother." For example, the relationship between David and Jonathan is a profound illustration of comradeship. In
1 Samuel 18:1, it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself." This deep bond between David and Jonathan exemplifies a form of spiritual and emotional comradeship, characterized by loyalty, support, and shared values.
The book of Ecclesiastes also highlights the importance of companionship: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up" (
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). This passage underscores the practical benefits of having a comrade, emphasizing mutual support and the strength found in unity.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "koinonia" is often used to describe fellowship and partnership among believers. This term conveys a sense of shared life and mission within the body of Christ. The early church exemplified this comradeship in
Acts 2:42, where it is noted, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The early Christians lived in a community marked by shared beliefs and mutual support, reflecting the essence of comradeship.
The Apostle Paul frequently refers to his fellow workers in the gospel as "co-laborers" or "fellow soldiers." In
Philippians 2:25, he writes, "But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs." Here, Paul acknowledges the partnership and shared mission with Epaphroditus, highlighting the spiritual comradeship in their joint efforts for the gospel.
Spiritual ComradeshipThe concept of comradeship in the Bible extends beyond mere friendship to encompass a spiritual dimension. Believers are called to be comrades in the faith, supporting one another in their spiritual journeys and standing together against spiritual adversities.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some have made a habit, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
In this sense, comradeship among Christians is not only about mutual support but also about encouraging one another to grow in faith and good works. The biblical model of comradeship is rooted in love, unity, and a shared commitment to the teachings of Christ, fostering a community that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A mate, companion, or associate.
Greek
2083. hetairos -- a companion... a companion. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: hetairos Phonetic
Spelling: (het-ah'-ee-ros) Short Definition: a companion,
comrade Definition: a
...2245. helikos -- how great, how small
... 2245 (from , "comrade") -- properly, fully grown (adult); (figuratively) "great"
by "coming of age," ie ("grown up"). See also 5082 ("so great")....
4939. suntrophos -- one brought up with, ie a foster brother or an...
... brought up with. From sun and trophos (in a passive sense); a fellow-nursling,
ieComrade -- brought up with. see GREEK sun. see GREEK trophos....
4777. sugkakopatheo -- to bear evil treatment along with
... from 4862 , "identified closely " and 2553 , "to suffer harm") -- properly, suffer
because ; to endure hardship someone as a , ie as a true partner (comrade)....
Strong's Hebrew
2269. chabar -- fellow,comrade... 2268, 2269. chabar. 2270 . fellow,
comrade. Transliteration: chabar Phonetic
Spelling: (khab-ar') Short Definition: friends. Word
...5997. amith -- an associate, fellow, relation
... another, fellow, neighbor. From a primitive root meaning to associate; companionship;
hence (concretely) acomrade or kindred man -- another, fellow, neighbour....
Library
Ep. I. To Basil hisComrade.
... Ep. I. To Basil HisComrade. (Perhaps about ad357 or 358; in answer to a letter
which is not now extant.) I have failed, I confess, to keep my promise....
Letter cclxxi. To Eusebius, MyComrade, to Recommend Cyriacus the...
... Letter CCLXXI. To Eusebius, mycomrade, to recommend Cyriacus the presbyter.
At once and in haste, after your departure, I came to the town....
God's Cup of Myrrh
... to him, and he said, Look, all of you, you see well that I am a poor fool and have
lost my wits, you need fear nothing from such as I am, but mycomrade, he is...
From the World to God
... "And hiscomrade upon whom he leant, encouraged him and... "Then did thecomrade shout
for joy, and say, See, dear father, see, the Lord will not forsake you!'....
The Mothering Heart
... Acomrade officer tells that once boarding a boat travelling north, she found Adjutant
Lee and her little niece were passengers by the same boat; but Kate...
Bartimaeus
... The same is true of the demoniacs at Gadara, and it is easily understood that only
an eyewitness should remember the obscurecomrade of a remarkable and...
The Mission of the Twelve
... therefore would not send His inexperienced heralds forth for the first time except
by two and two, that each might sustain the courage and wisdom of hiscomrade...
Hear, O Freedom, the Dispute of Two Servants: How they are...
... was exalted: and by Whose death he was raised, and regained Eden!"3. If then the
Evil One overcome thee, great is the shame: Death hiscomrade has convicted...
Epistle xvi. From Felix Bishop of Messana to St. Gregory.
... As we were meditating on these things, news was brought us by certain who came from
Rome that you had written to ourcomrade Augustine (afterwards ordained...
A Corps Commander
... She heard of him by a casual remark onecomrade made to another, got his address
and surprised his home by a visit. 'After that,' says...
Thesaurus
Comrade (9 Occurrences)...Comrade (9 Occurrences).
... (YLT). Matthew 22:12 and he saith to him,
Comrade, how didst
thou come in hither, not having clothing of the marriage-feast?
...Yoke-fellow (1 Occurrence)
... Some have conjectured that Epaphroditus is meant. Wyckliffe renders the phrase
"the german felowe", ie, "thee, germane [=genuine]comrade.". Int....
Yokefellow
... Some have conjectured that Epaphroditus is meant. Wyckliffe renders the phrase
"the german felowe", ie, "thee, germane [=genuine]comrade."....
Mid'ian (47 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:13 When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to hiscomrade;
and he said, "Behold, I dreamed a dream; and lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled...
Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)
... Matthew 20:13 And he answering said to one of them,Comrade, I do no unrighteousness
to thee; for a denary didst not thou agree with me? (YLT)....
Jo'ash (44 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:14 And hiscomrade answered, "This is no other than the sword of Gideon
the son of Jo'ash, a man of Israel; into his hand God has given Mid'ian and...
Joke (1 Occurrence)
... something done in sport. 3. (vt) To make merry with; to make jokes upon;
to rally; to banter; as, to joke acomrade. 4. (vi) To do...
Lad (66 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. p) of to guide. 2. (n.) A boy; a youth; a stripling.
3. (n.) A companion; acomrade; a mate. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Labours (19 Occurrences)
... DBY YLT). 2 Corinthians 8:23 As for Titus, remember that he is a partner
with me, and is mycomrade in my labours for you. And as...
Gossip (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A sponsor; a godfather or a godmother. 2. (n.)
A friend orcomrade; a companion; a familiar and customary acquaintance....
Resources
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