Strong’s G3971: From πατήρ; paternal, ancestral, belonging to fathers. Specifically refers to inherited traditions, customs, and religious practices. Used in NT particularly regarding Jewish religious heritage and law. Important term in discussions of cultural and religious identity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατρῷος represents deep connections to ancestral heritage, particularly in religious and cultural contexts. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts discussing Jewish faith traditions, especially in Acts. Early church writers used it to explore the relationship between inherited faith and new revelation in Christ. Today, it helps us understand how to honor heritage while embracing gospel transformation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πατρῷος, patrōos, [pa-TRO-os]
• Detailed pronunciation: pah-TRO-oss (emphasis on TRO)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πατήρ (father)
• Suffix: -ῷος (belonging to)
• Forms possessive adjective indicating paternal connection

D – Defining Meanings

• Belonging to fathers
• Inherited from ancestors
• Traditional, ancestral
• Paternal

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived adjective

Translation Options:

• Ancestral – Emphasizing heritage aspect
• Paternal – Emphasizing father connection
• Traditional – Emphasizing custom aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πατρικός [patrikos, pa-tree-KOS] – more generally paternal
• προγονικός [progonikos, pro-go-nee-KOS] – from ancestors
• πάτριος [patrios, PAT-ree-os] – of one’s fathers

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First/Second Declension Adjective
• Three Gender Forms:
• Masculine: πατρῷος
• Feminine: πατρῴα
• Neuter: πατρῷον
• Cross-references: πατρικός (paternal), πατριά (family)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in religious contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to inheritance. LSJ documents its legal usage. Vine’s highlights its importance in Jewish identity. Moulton and Milligan show its use in inheritance documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our ancestral [πατρῷος] law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.” (Acts 22:3)

Additional References:
Acts 24:14, Acts 28:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πατρῷος helps us appreciate how Christ fulfills rather than destroys valuable heritage. While Paul acknowledged his ancestral traditions, he found their true meaning in Jesus. This encourages us to see how the gospel can transform and fulfill our cultural inheritance.

D – Did You Know?

1. Often used in legal documents about inheritance rights
2. Key term in ancient religious property disputes
3. Important in discussions of Jewish-Christian relations

Strong’s G3971: From πατήρ; paternal, ancestral, belonging to fathers. Specifically refers to inherited traditions, customs, and religious practices. Used in NT particularly regarding Jewish religious heritage and law. Important term in discussions of cultural and religious identity.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Heritage #Tradition #JewishLaw #Inheritance #Culture #ReligiousIdentity #PaulTestimony #Acts #AncestralFaith #JewishTradition​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​