One Another: Part I

Did you know that there are 72 verses that contain the phrase "one another" in the Bible? This series is a series that I will look at these verses and try to gleen something from each verse. I will be starting from the first one in the Bible and going to the last one. I would assume there would be 72 studies on this... however, it is more likely that some studies will contain more than one verse.

Genesis 42:14-21
Joseph said to them, "It is just as I told you: You are spies! And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!" And he put them all in custody for three days.

On the third day, Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." This they proceeded to do.

They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."

According to E-Sword:

One: 'îysh (pronounced: eesh)
A man as an individual or a male person; another, any (man), a certain, champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (goodman, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man [mankind], none, one, people, person, steward, what (man) soever, whoso (whosoever), worthy.

Another: 'âch (pronounced: awkh)
A brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance): another, brother (brotherly), kindred, like, other.

I don't know if the other "one another's" in the Old Testament are the same as this one, but this one another is speaking of family. You could say it like this: They said from one brother to another... or like this: They said to each family member... and that would also work.

Now, the question is this: When I address anyone... do I address them in a family demeanor? Do I honor them as I would a family member? How about this: do I honor family members? Tough stuff to think about. And it is worthy stuff to think about, too.