Brief Overview of γένος (G1085: genos)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γένος (transliterated as genos and pronounced as “GHEH-nos”) carries a range of meanings related to origin, kind, or type. Derived from the root verb γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning “to become” or “to be born,” genos primarily refers to lineage, race, or kind. The word can denote a family or race in the sense of a group descended from a common ancestor, but it also extends to broader categories such as a kind, species, or class. In some contexts, genos can imply a nation or people, emphasizing shared heritage or characteristics.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Vines, γένος is a versatile term in the Greek language, encompassing meanings such as “race,” “kind,” “offspring,” and “family.” BDAG emphasizes that genos can refer to a broad spectrum of relationships, from a specific lineage to a more general classification of beings or things. Thayer’s Lexicon further explains that genos can be used to indicate a nation or group distinguished by shared characteristics, whether biological, cultural, or social.

In the New Testament, γένος appears in various contexts, often in relation to lineage or ethnic identity. For example, in Acts 17:28-29, Paul uses genos to speak of humanity as the “offspring” of God, emphasizing a shared divine origin. In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as a “chosen generation” (genos eklekton), highlighting their unique identity as God’s people. These examples show how genos can be used both to emphasize common origin and to distinguish particular groups within a larger context.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, γένος is frequently used to denote lineage, kind, or class. For instance, in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the term is used to describe the noble lineage of heroes, underscoring their distinguished ancestry. Similarly, in Herodotus’ Histories, genos is used to categorize different peoples and races encountered in his travels. In philosophical texts, such as Aristotle’s Metaphysics, genos is employed in discussions about the nature of species and categories of being, indicating how different forms of life or entities are grouped based on shared characteristics.

Summary:
The word γένος (G1085), transliterated as genos, is a Greek term with a rich semantic range that includes meanings such as “race,” “kind,” “lineage,” and “species.” Derived from the root γίνομαι (ginomai), which means “to become” or “to be born,” genos emphasizes origin and classification. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both human and divine relationships, as well as to distinguish groups or classes of people. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s highlight the versatility of genos in indicating both biological descent and broader classifications. Classical Greek literature also employs genos in various contexts, from lineage in epic poetry to species in philosophical discourse, demonstrating the term’s adaptability across different genres and periods. Genos remains a key term for understanding concepts of identity, belonging, and categorization in both ancient and biblical contexts.