In the Bible, there is a careful distinction between the word “brother” and the word “companion” or “friend.” That’s partly because the people of Israel used the word “brother” to identify another Hebrew and “companion” for a non-Hebrew acquaintance. But as you might expect, it also has a spiritual significance. According to Swedenborg, “brother” represents people or spiritual states that are linked through shared loves - a similar desire for good. “Companion” or “friend” represents people or spiritual states linked through shared thoughts and ideas – a powerful link, but not as internal as “brother.”