Understanding γενεαλογία (genealogia) Strong’s G1076: The Divine Record of Lineage that Reveals God’s Sovereign Plan Through History

Pronunciation Guide: gen-eh-al-og-ee’-ah (with emphasis on the “og” syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1076: Γενεαλογία (genealogia) refers to a genealogical record or register of one’s ancestry, family lineage, or descent. It describes the tracing and documentation of family history, particularly focusing on the ordering of generations and ancestral relationships. In biblical context, genealogies serve as important markers of identity, inheritance rights, and the fulfillment of divine promises through specific family lines.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Root Words: Derived from γενεαλογέω (genealogeō, “to trace ancestry”) which comes from γενεά (genea, “generation, family”) and λόγος (logos, “word, account”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in theological discourse and teaching sections of the New Testament
• Biblical Frequency: Appears only twice in the New Testament

Γενεαλογία Morphology:

• γενεαλογία (nominative singular) – a genealogy
• γενεαλογίας (genitive singular) – of a genealogy
• γενεαλογίᾳ (dative singular) – in/with a genealogy
• γενεαλογίαν (accusative singular) – a genealogy (as direct object)
• γενεαλογίαι (nominative plural) – genealogies
• γενεαλογιῶν (genitive plural) – of genealogies
• γενεαλογίαις (dative plural) – in/with genealogies
• γενεαλογίας (accusative plural) – genealogies (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term γενεαλογία has deep roots in classical Greek literature where it was used to document family lineages of significance. Herodotus, the 5th century BCE historian, employed genealogical discussions in his Histories to establish the credentials of ruling families and trace the origins of various peoples. In Plato’s Timaeus, genealogical accounts are used to establish connections between mythological figures and contemporary society.

In the Hellenistic period, the Septuagint (LXX) frequently presents genealogical material, though interestingly, it does not directly use the term γενεαλογία but rather employs phrases like βίβλος γενέσεως (“book of generations”) as seen in Genesis 5:1. By the first century CE, Jewish historian Josephus utilized genealogical records extensively in his works Antiquities of the Jews and Against Apion to authenticate priestly lineages and establish Jewish historical legitimacy in the Greco-Roman world, demonstrating the cultural importance of documented ancestry.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A formal record tracing ancestry through successive generations
• A historical document establishing familial connections and inheritance rights
• A literary device used to demonstrate continuity between past and present
• A means of establishing legitimacy for royal, priestly, or messianic claims

Γενεαλογία Translation Options:

• Genealogy – The most straightforward translation, capturing the concept of documented lineage and family history
• Family Record – Emphasizes the documentary and historical aspect of tracing ancestors
• Ancestral Register – Highlights the formal, official nature of genealogical documentation
• Lineage Account – Stresses the narrative quality of genealogies as they tell the story of a family through time
• Descent Listing – Focuses on the precise ordering of generational relationships

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γενεαλογία appears only twice, both instances carrying a cautionary tone. The first appearance is in 1 Timothy 1:4, where Paul warns Timothy not to “devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” The second mention occurs in Titus 3:9, where Paul similarly advises Titus to “avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

While the actual term γενεαλογία is used sparingly, genealogical records themselves feature prominently in Scripture. The Gospel writers Matthew and Luke both include detailed genealogies of Yeshua (Jesus), demonstrating His legal and biological connection to King David and Abraham, thus establishing His messianic credentials. These Gospel genealogies serve not merely as historical documentation but as theological declarations about the fulfillment of יהוה (Yahweh)’s covenant promises through specific family lines.

• “Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies [γενεαλογίαις].” 1 Timothy 1:4
• “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies [γενεαλογίας], arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, genealogies carried immense practical and symbolic significance beyond what modern readers might recognize. For Jewish people in the first century, genealogical records were carefully preserved, particularly among priestly families, as proof of eligibility for Temple service. The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE resulted in the loss of many official genealogical records, creating a crisis of identity for those whose social and religious status depended on documented lineage.

The “endless genealogies” that Paul warns against in his letters to Timothy and Titus likely referred to speculative expansions of biblical genealogies that were popular in some Jewish circles. Works like the Book of Jubilees and other pseudepigraphical texts elaborate extensively on biblical genealogies, often incorporating mythological elements and esoteric interpretations. These expansions could lead to endless debates and distract from the core message of the Gospel. Paul’s concern was not with legitimate genealogical records but with their misuse in promoting speculative teachings that diverted attention from faith in the Messiah.

Theological Significance

Genealogies in Scripture reveal the meticulous care with which God directs human history toward His divine purposes. Through carefully preserved family lines, יהוה (Yahweh) demonstrated His faithfulness to covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The genealogy of Yeshua the Messiah in Matthew’s Gospel intentionally highlights unexpected elements—including four women of questionable reputation and Gentile origins—revealing God’s grace extending beyond cultural boundaries and moral perfection.

The theological tension surrounding γενεαλογία in Paul’s letters illuminates an important spiritual principle: historical connections matter, but they must never supersede faith. While God worked through specific family lines to bring about redemption, salvation itself comes through faith rather than ancestral credentials. This represents a profound theological shift in which spiritual lineage (being children of Abraham by faith) supersedes physical descent. As Paul declares in Galatians 3:29, “If you belong to the Messiah, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” This does not negate the importance of Israel’s historical role but expands the understanding of who constitutes God’s family.

Personal Application

Understanding γενεαλογία challenges us to consider our spiritual heritage and the legacy we are creating. Though we may not maintain detailed family trees as ancient cultures did, we are all part of God’s unfolding plan through history. The genealogies of Scripture remind us that God works through ordinary human lives—often flawed individuals—to accomplish extraordinary purposes. When we feel insignificant, we can remember that we too have a place in God’s grand narrative.

In practical terms, this calls us to honor those who have passed down faith to us—spiritual ancestors who nurtured our understanding of God—while recognizing that genuine faith cannot be inherited but must be personally embraced. Like Timothy, who had a rich spiritual heritage through his mother and grandmother, we should appreciate godly influences in our lives without relying on them for our own spiritual identity. Our focus should remain on cultivating a living relationship with the Messiah rather than excessive preoccupation with religious pedigrees or traditions.

Related Words

• γενεά (genea, gen-eh-ah’) – generation, age, family lineage; refers to people contemporary with each other or the period of time in which they live. While γενεαλογία focuses on the record of connections between generations, γενεά emphasizes a specific generation or time period. See G1074
• γένος (genos, ghen’-os) – family, offspring, race, kind; denotes a group connected by common ancestry or characteristics. Where γενεαλογία emphasizes the documented record, γένος highlights the actual biological or ethnic relationship between people. See G1085
• γέννησις (gennēsis, ghen’-nay-sis) – birth, nativity; specifically refers to the act of being born rather than the record of ancestry. While genealogies track multiple generations, γέννησις focuses on a single entry point into a family line. See G1083
• πατριά (patria, pat-ree-ah’) – family, tribe, lineage traced through the father; emphasizes patrilineal descent which was the predominant pattern in biblical genealogies. While γενεαλογία is the record itself, πατριά is the actual family unit being recorded. See G3965
• συγγένεια (syngeneia, soong-ghen’-i-ah) – kinship, relatives; refers to the broader concept of family relationship beyond direct lineage. Where γενεαλογία traces direct ancestral connections, συγγένεια encompasses all familial relationships including extended family. See G4772

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the longest genealogical record in the Bible spans from Adam to Yeshua (Jesus) and covers more than 4,000 years of human history? Luke’s Gospel traces 77 generations, demonstrating God’s consistent work through human history and providing chronological anchors for biblical events.
• Did you know that Jewish genealogical records were so meticulously maintained that the historian Josephus claimed to trace his own priestly ancestry from official records going back 2,000 years? This attention to documentation explains why Paul could reference “endless genealogies” as a concept his readers would immediately recognize—genealogical debates were a significant part of Jewish theological discussion in the first century.
• Did you know that modern DNA testing and genetic genealogy has revived interest in ancestral connections in ways that parallel ancient preoccupations with family lineage? While ancient genealogies established inheritance rights and social standing, today’s genetic genealogy often serves a search for identity and belonging—demonstrating how the human desire to understand our origins transcends cultural and historical boundaries.

Remember This

Γενεαλογία reminds us that while our heritage shapes us, our destiny in God’s kingdom is determined not by ancestral credentials but by faith in the Messiah who fulfills all genealogical promises and extends God’s family to include believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation.