Brief Overview of συγγενής (Strong’s G4773: suggenes)

Strong’s G4773: An adjective used substantively meaning “related by blood, kinsman, relative.” From σύν (with) and γένος (family, race). Used to describe family relationships and kinship ties. Particularly significant in biblical narratives addressing family obligations, spiritual kinship, and covenant relationships.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγγενής primarily denotes blood relatives or kinsmen, but its usage extends beyond mere biological relationships. In the New Testament, it carries deep significance in narratives about family loyalty, spiritual kinship, and communal obligations. The early church expanded its meaning to include spiritual family relationships in the Messiah, emphasizing how believers become kinsmen through faith. Today, it reminds us of both our natural family ties and our spiritual family in the Messiah’s body, highlighting the dual nature of Christian relationships.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγγενής, suggenes, /soong-ghen-ace’/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – ghen (as in “gen”) – ACE (as in “face”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective (often used as a noun)

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• γένος (genos) root meaning “family, race, kind”
• -ής (-es) adjectival suffix
• Combined meaning: “born together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Related by blood
• Kinsman/relative
• Of the same family or clan

For compound words:

• σύν indicates shared connection
• γέν- conveys birth/origin
• -ής makes it descriptive of the relationship

Translation Options:

• “Relative” – Most common modern equivalent
• “Kinsman” – Traditional translation emphasizing family ties
• “Blood relation” – Emphasizes biological connection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• οἰκεῖος (oikeios) /oy-kay’-os/ – household member See G3609
• συγγένεια (suggeneia) /soong-ghen’-i-ah/ – kindred See G4772
• ἀδελφός (adelphos) /ad-el-fos’/ – brother See G80

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective/substantive:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples:

• Nominative Singular: συγγενής (a relative)
• Genitive Plural: συγγενῶν (of relatives)
• Dative Plural: συγγενέσι(ν) (to/for relatives)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for blood relatives and close family connections. Thayer’s notes its application to tribal relationships. LSJ documents its use in legal contexts regarding inheritance. Vine’s highlights its importance in covenant relationships. Strong’s connects it to common ancestry. LEH notes its frequent use in the Septuagint for family relationships. Moulton and Milligan show its use in family legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 6:4: “But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own relatives [συγγενής], and in his own house.”

Additional References:
Luke 1:36
Luke 2:44
Luke 14:12
Luke 21:16
John 18:26
Acts 10:24
Romans 9:3
Romans 16:7
Romans 16:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγγενής beautifully captures the essence of both natural and spiritual kinship. Through the Messiah, we become relatives in God’s family, transcending biological connections while honoring them. This word reminds us that the good news creates a new family of believers united in our heavenly Father’s household, where every believer becomes our kinsman in the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient inheritance documents defining family rights
• It was used to establish legal claims in family disputes
• Early Christians adapted it to describe their spiritual family relationships in the Messiah

Strong’s G4773: An adjective used substantively meaning “related by blood, kinsman, relative.” From σύν (with) and γένος (family, race). Used to describe family relationships and kinship ties. Particularly significant in biblical narratives addressing family obligations, spiritual kinship, and covenant relationships.

Part of speech: Adjective (used substantively)

Tags: family, relatives, kinship, blood-relations, spiritual-family, covenant-relationships, inheritance, family-ties, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, kinsmen, family-obligations​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​