Brief Overview of Γενεαλογία (G1076: Genealogia)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γενεαλογία (transliterated as genealogia and pronounced as “gen-ay-al-og-ee’-ah”) refers to a lineage or descent traced continuously from an ancestor, commonly known as a genealogy. The term is derived from two Greek words: γενεά (genea), meaning “generation” or “family,” and λόγος (logos), meaning “word” or “study.” Thus, γενεαλογία literally means “the study or account of a lineage.” In the context of the New Testament and other ancient literature, this word is used to describe the recording or recounting of family histories, particularly those tracing the descent of notable figures.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In various Greek lexicons, including BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, γενεαλογία is consistently defined as a genealogy or a list of one’s ancestors. BDAG highlights its usage in the context of New Testament warnings against engaging in endless genealogies that provoke controversies rather than godly edification. Thayer’s Lexicon similarly defines it as a genealogy, especially in reference to the extended genealogical records that were common in Jewish tradition.

The word γενεαλογία appears in the New Testament in passages such as 1 Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9, where the Apostle Paul cautions against giving heed to fables and endless genealogies. These passages suggest that genealogies were sometimes used to establish or argue for one’s status or importance, leading to disputes and distracting from the central teachings of the faith. The focus of these warnings is on the potential for genealogies to become a source of division rather than spiritual growth.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
The term γενεαλογία is also found in classical Greek literature, where it is used in the context of recording and studying lineages. For example, Herodotus, often referred to as the “Father of History,” used genealogies to trace the ancestry of prominent families or to establish historical connections. Another example can be found in the works of Hesiod, who employed genealogical lists to detail the lineage of gods and heroes in Greek mythology. Similarly, the historian Thucydides mentioned genealogies in recounting the origins of certain Greek city-states. These examples illustrate that the concept of genealogy was not only significant in Jewish culture but also had a broader application in the ancient world, particularly in establishing historical and cultural legitimacy.

Summary:
The word γενεαλογία (G1076), transliterated as genealogia, refers to the recording or study of one’s ancestry or lineage. Derived from the Greek words for “generation” and “study,” it is used in the New Testament to caution against the practice of engaging in endless genealogies that could lead to disputes rather than spiritual edification. In classical Greek literature, γενεαλογία was an important tool for tracing the lineage of prominent families, gods, and heroes, thus playing a significant role in establishing historical and cultural legitimacy. In summary, while genealogies hold historical importance, the New Testament advises believers to focus on the teachings that promote godliness and avoid distractions that might lead to unnecessary disputes.