by Sheree Zielke

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 12, 2011

"City of Brotherly Love," the favored nickname for the city of Philadelphia, is steeped in heritage. The name, Philadelphia, which means "brotherly love," is an ancient name that can be found in the Bible's New Testament. Late in the 17th century, Philadelphia's founding father, William Penn, borrowed the name because its emotional meaning so represented his own philosophies and aspirations for his new urban center.

Penn, as a devout follower of the newly established Quaker religion, believed the city, from where his area's government would stem, needed a solid name, one steeped in biblical history. So, in 1680, the "Quaker King, as Penn had become known, blessed the settlement with a name taken from the Book of Revelation. Penn was so serious about his choice that he prayed God would find his decision, his "holy experiment," acceptable at judgment day.

Philadelphia's namesake is the ancient city of Philadelphia in Asia Minor, once located in Lydia, southeast of Sardis. It has been erroneously reported that Philadelphia means "city" of brotherly love. While the city has been nicknamed the "City of Brotherly Love," the name, Philadelphia, is actually derived from the Greek words meaning brotherly love or more specifically, philos which means "loving" and adelphos which translates to "brothers". The word, city, is not part of the derivation.

According to the bible, Philadelphia so pleased the Lord, He makes special mention of it in Revelation 3:8: "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name." Keeping of the name of God was of utmost importance in Penn's mind; naming Philadelphia after the city honored in the biblical passage would assure others (at least those living at the time) that God was to be honored above all else in this blossoming city.

Penn wanted his new city to exemplify his new religious beliefs. He wanted a place that was free from religious bigotry, an "open door" that would welcome settlers from all persuasions and walks of life, as brothers, no matter what their chosen religion. He wanted a place where fairness would reign, so he started with the local Indians.

Penn was ahead of his time as a political ambassador, and diplomat. He set a good first example by negotiating with the resident Indians. He never stole land from the Delaware Indians, including the land Philadelphia sat upon; he bought it and as a result ensured

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