Brief Overview of γενεά (G1074: geneá)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γενεά (transliterated as geneá and pronounced as “gheh-neh-AH”) is derived from the root word γίνομαι (ginomai), which means “to come into being” or “to become.” The primary meanings of γενεά include “generation,” “race,” “family,” “descent,” and “age.” The term is often used to describe a group of people born around the same time, thus constituting a generation, or it can refer to a lineage or descendants of a particular person or group. In the New Testament, γενεά frequently appears in discussions of time periods, often with a focus on the moral or spiritual character of a particular generation.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In examining the word γενεά, BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) highlights its varied uses within the New Testament, where it can refer to a generation in the literal sense—a group of people living at the same time—or metaphorically to describe the moral quality or characteristics of a group. Thayer’s Lexicon expands on this by noting that γενεά can also signify a period of time, often associated with judgment or moral decline in biblical contexts.

For example, in Matthew 24:34, Jesus says, “Truly, I tell you, this generation (γενεά) will not pass away until all these things have happened,” where the term is understood both as a reference to the people living at that time and, in some interpretations, as a broader indication of a particular kind of people or era. Similarly, in Acts 2:40, Peter exhorts his audience to “save yourselves from this corrupt generation (γενεά),” indicating a moral or spiritual assessment of the people of that time.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, γενεά was used similarly to denote a generation or lineage. It can be found in the works of historians like Herodotus and Thucydides, who used the term to describe successive generations or the passing of time. For example, Herodotus often uses γενεά when discussing the genealogies of Greek heroes or the succession of kings. Another example can be found in the writings of Thucydides, where γενεά is used to discuss the generations involved in the Peloponnesian War, highlighting the continuity of certain values or conflicts across time.

Summary:
The word γενεά (G1074), transliterated as geneá, is a versatile term in Greek, encompassing meanings such as “generation,” “race,” “family,” “descent,” and “age.” Derived from the root word γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning “to become” or “to come into being,” γενεά is used in the New Testament to refer both to groups of people living at the same time and to broader concepts of moral and spiritual character. Lexical sources like BDAG and Thayer’s Lexicon emphasize the word’s use in contexts of judgment, lineage, and temporal periods. In classical Greek literature, γενεά was used in a similar way to denote generations, lineage, and the passage of time, as seen in the works of historians like Herodotus and Thucydides. The term continues to hold significance in theological discussions, particularly in its biblical context, where it often underscores the continuity or decline of moral and spiritual values across time.