Brief Overview of πατρολῴας (Strong’s G3964: patrolōas)

Strong’s G3964: A compound noun literally meaning “father-striker” or “father-murderer.” Used in legal contexts to denote those who commit violence against parents, particularly fathers. Listed among serious offenders in NT vice lists, emphasizing the gravity of dishonoring parents in biblical ethics.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατρολῴας represents a serious violation of the fifth commandment. In the New Testament, it appears in vice lists identifying grave sins against divine law. The early church saw this term as emblematic of complete moral breakdown in family relationships. Today, it underscores the continuing importance of honoring parents and maintaining proper family relationships in Christian ethics.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πατρολῴας, patrolōas, [pat-ro-LOH-as]
• Detailed pronunciation: pah-tro-LOH-ahs
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Compound word from:
• πατήρ (father)
• ἀλοάω (to thresh, strike)
• -ας (agent noun suffix)

D – Defining Meanings

• One who strikes his father
• Father-murderer
• One who commits violence against his father

For compound words:

• πατρ- (father) identifies the victim
• -λῴας (from ἀλοάω) indicates violent action
• -ας indicates the agent/doer

Translation Options:

• Father-striker – Most literal translation
• Patricide – When specifically referring to murder
• One who assaults his father – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μητρολῴας [mētrolōas, may-tro-LOH-as] – mother-striker
• πατροκτόνος [patroktonos, pat-rok-TON-os] – father-killer
• γονεύς [goneus, go-NYOOS] – parent (object of the violence)

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First Declension
• Masculine Gender
• Nominative Singular: πατρολῴας
• Genitive: πατρολῴου
• Dative: πατρολῴᾳ
• Accusative: πατρολῴαν
• Cross-references: πατρικός (paternal), πατραλοίας (alternate form)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its legal usage in vice lists. Thayer’s notes its severity in ancient society. LSJ documents its use in Greek law. Vine’s connects it to the command to honor parents. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence in papyri, suggesting its technical legal nature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers [πατρολῴας] and murderers of mothers.” (1 Timothy 1:9)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πατρολῴας highlights the sanctity of family relationships in God’s order. While it represents a grievous sin, the gospel message offers hope and transformation even for those who have committed such serious offenses. Christ’s redemption can heal and restore broken family relationships.

D – Did You Know?

1. Was considered one of the most serious crimes in ancient Greek law
2. Often paired with temple robbing in lists of grave offenses
3. The word influenced early church policies on family reconciliation

Strong’s G3964: A compound noun literally meaning “father-striker” or “father-murderer.” Used in legal contexts to denote those who commit violence against parents, particularly fathers. Listed among serious offenders in NT vice lists, emphasizing the gravity of dishonoring parents in biblical ethics.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #FamilyRelationships #Sin #ViceLists #BiblicalEthics #FifthCommandment #MoralLaw #FamilyViolence #Reconciliation #ParentalHonor #TimothyEpistles​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​