Understanding γονεύς (goneus) Strong’s G1118: The Sacred Bond of Parenthood in Biblical Family Relationships

Pronunciation Guide: gon-yooce’ (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1118: The Greek word γονεύς (goneus) refers to a father or mother, essentially a parent or progenitor. In biblical usage, it almost always appears in the plural form γονεῖς (goneis), referring collectively to both parents. This term emphasizes the natural relationship between parents and children, highlighting the familial bond established by birth. It carries connotations of authority, responsibility, and the divine ordering of family relationships.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine)
• Root Word: Derived from γίνομαι (ginomai, G1096), meaning “to become” or “to be born”
• Language Origin: Ancient Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative passages, particularly in the Gospels and Acts
• Semantic Field: Family relationships, household duties, generational connections

γονεύς Morphology:

• γονεύς (nominative singular) – a parent
• γονέως (genitive singular) – of a parent
• γονεῖ (dative singular) – to/for a parent
• γονέα (accusative singular) – a parent (direct object)
• γονεῖς (nominative plural) – parents
• γονέων (genitive plural) – of parents
• γονεῦσι(ν) (dative plural) – to/for parents
• γονεῖς (accusative plural) – parents (direct object)

Origin & History

The term γονεύς has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to designate biological parents. In works such as Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” the term appears in contexts emphasizing filial duty and the honor due to one’s progenitors. Plato, in his “Republic,” uses γονεῖς when discussing the proper relationships between parents and children within his ideal state, emphasizing that respect for parents forms the foundation of a well-ordered society.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, γονεύς appears as a translation of the Hebrew אָב (av, father) and אֵם (em, mother), particularly in passages concerning the Fifth Commandment to honor one’s parents (Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16). The transition of this term from classical Greek into biblical Greek maintained its core meaning while incorporating the distinctly Hebraic emphasis on parents as bearers of divine authority within the family structure. Early church fathers like John Chrysostom expanded on this concept in homilies on family life, presenting godly parents as earthly representatives of divine authority and nurture.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Biological Progenitors – Those who have physically given birth to or fathered a child
• Legal Guardians – Those who have adopted or taken responsibility for a child
• Ancestral Forebears – In extended usage, can refer to ancestors or progenitors of a family line
• Parental Authority – Those who exercise guidance, instruction, and discipline over children

γονεύς Translation Options:

• Parents – Most common translation, emphasizing the pair of mother and father together (most accurate when the word appears in plural form)
• Parent – When used in singular form, though this is rare in the New Testament
• Forebears – In contexts discussing generational influence or heritage
• Progenitors – Emphasizing the biological aspect of having produced offspring
• Elders – In contexts where parental authority and wisdom are emphasized

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γονεύς appears 20 times, predominantly in the Gospel narratives. Its first appearance is in Matthew 10:21, where Yeshua (Jesus) warns that “brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” This sobering prediction highlights how the gospel would sometimes cause division even within the intimate bonds of the parent-child relationship.

The most concentrated usage of γονεύς occurs in Luke’s Gospel, particularly in narratives surrounding the childhood of Yeshua and John the Baptist. Luke emphasizes the faithful obedience of godly parents like Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Mary. The term appears prominently in the narrative of the twelve-year-old Yeshua in the Temple, where His parents search for Him anxiously, demonstrating both parental concern and the unique relationship between the incarnate Son and His earthly parents.

Significant usages of γονεύς in Scripture include:

• “And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents [γονεῖς] and have them put to death.” Matthew 10:21
• “For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites!” Matthew 15:4-7
• “So the parents [γονεῖς] of the blind man were summoned a second time.” John 9:18
• “Now his parents [γονεῖς] went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.” Luke 2:41
• “Children, obey your parents [γονεῦσιν] in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1
• “For children are not obligated to save up for their parents [γονεῦσιν], but parents for their children.” 2 Corinthians 12:14
• “…disobedient to parents [γονεῦσιν], ungrateful, unholy.” 2 Timothy 3:2

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, the parent-child relationship was governed by the Fifth Commandment to honor one’s father and mother, which was considered one of the weightiest moral obligations. Unlike Greco-Roman society, where paternal authority (patria potestas) could be absolute and sometimes harsh, the Jewish understanding of parental authority was tempered by the responsibility to nurture and instruct children in the ways of יהוה (Yahweh). Parents were expected to be the primary teachers of Torah to their children, fulfilling the command in Deuteronomy 6:7 to diligently teach the commandments to their children.

The Hebrew concept that underlies γονεύς in Jewish thought is captured in the idiom “to sit at the feet of” one’s parents, especially one’s father. This idiom, exemplified by Paul’s description of his education “at the feet of Gamaliel” (Acts 22:3), vividly portrays the posture of a child learning from parents. Physical positioning reflected spiritual and intellectual relationships – children literally sat lower than their parents, learning not just information but a way of life. The γονεῖς were responsible for modeling faith, not merely teaching it theoretically.

In the fascinating story of the man born blind in John 9, we see the complex dynamics of parent-child relationships under social pressure. When questioned about their son’s healing, the γονεῖς defer to their adult son, saying, “He is of age; ask him” (John 9:21). This reveals both the limits of parental authority over adult children in Jewish culture and the social pressures that could complicate family relationships when confronted with Yeshua’s messianic claims.

Theological Significance

The concept of γονεύς in Scripture provides a profound window into God’s character and His relationship with humanity. God is revealed as the ultimate Parent, the one from whom “every family in heaven and on earth derives its name” (Ephesians 3:15). The human parent-child relationship serves as a tangible reflection of our relationship with our Heavenly Father, providing an experiential framework for understanding divine love, authority, provision, and discipline.

When Yeshua teaches His disciples to pray “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9), He invites them into the intimate relationship He enjoys with His Heavenly Father. This invitation revolutionizes our understanding of γονεύς, as it suggests that earthly parent-child relationships should mirror the perfect love found in the Trinity. The Fifth Commandment to honor parents takes on deeper significance when we recognize parents as divine representatives, entrusted with reflecting God’s character to their children.

The tension observed in Luke 2:41-52, where the young Yeshua must be about His Heavenly Father’s business while still being subject to His earthly parents, illustrates an important theological principle: human parental authority, though divinely ordained, is subordinate to God’s ultimate authority. This hierarchy of relationships provides the proper context for understanding Paul’s instruction to “obey your parents in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1), emphasizing that parental authority functions properly only when aligned with divine will.

Personal Application

Understanding the biblical concept of γονεύς invites us to examine both our roles as children and potentially as parents. For those who are children (which includes all of us), the biblical emphasis on honoring parents challenges us to cultivate attitudes of respect, gratitude, and care—even when relationships are complicated or parents have fallen short of the divine ideal. This honor is not based on parental perfection but on God’s command and the position He has given parents. When we honor imperfect parents, we practice the grace and forgiveness that marks our relationship with our perfect Heavenly Father.

For those who serve as parents, the biblical concept of γονεύς presents both a sobering responsibility and a glorious privilege. Parents are called to reflect God’s character—His love, patience, wisdom, and guidance—to their children. Rather than wielding authority for personal benefit, godly parents exercise authority as stewards, recognizing that children ultimately belong to God. This perspective transforms parenting from mere biological function or social obligation into sacred ministry. Whether we parent biological children, adopted children, or serve in parental roles to those who need guidance, we participate in the divine work of nurturing the next generation to know and love Messiah.

Related Words

• τέκνον (teknon) [tek’-non] – child, offspring; emphasizes the relationship from the perspective of the one born, highlighting dependence and care received. Differs from γονεύς by focusing on the recipient rather than the provider in the parent-child relationship. See G5043
• πατήρ (pater) [pat-ayr’] – father; specifies the male parent, emphasizing authority, provision, and protection. More specific than γονεύς, which can refer to either or both parents. See G3962
• μήτηρ (meter) [may’-tare] – mother; designates the female parent, highlighting nurture, comfort, and intimate bonding. Like πατήρ, it’s more specific than the general term γονεύς. See G3384
• οἶκος (oikos) [oy’-kos] – house, household, family; broader than γονεύς, encompassing the entire household unit including extended family and servants. See G3624
• γεννάω (gennao) [ghen-nah’-o] – to beget, give birth to; the verbal action that results in becoming a γονεύς, emphasizing the procreative act rather than the ongoing relationship. See G1080

Did you Know?

• In ancient Jewish culture, the responsibility of parents (γονεῖς) extended far beyond physical provision and protection. Parents were obligated to teach their children a trade, find them a spouse, and ensure they could swim—skills considered essential for a complete life. This reflects the comprehensive nature of parental responsibility in biblical times, where γονεῖς were responsible for preparing children for every aspect of life.
• The Greek term γονεύς is etymologically related to the modern scientific term “genome,” which refers to the complete set of genetic material passed from parents to offspring. This linguistic connection beautifully illustrates how the ancient concept recognized the fundamental biological connection that defines the parent-child relationship, even without modern scientific understanding of genetics.
• While honoring parents (γονεῖς) was a foundational command in Jewish culture, rabbinic tradition established limits to this obligation. The Talmud teaches that if parents ask a child to transgress Torah, the child must respectfully decline. This nuanced understanding sheds light on Yeshua’s seemingly harsh statement that one must “hate” father and mother to follow Him (Luke 14:26)—not emotional hatred, but a clear hierarchy of ultimate loyalties when human relationships potentially conflict with divine commands.

Remember This

The biblical concept of γονεύς reveals that parenthood is not merely a biological function but a divine calling—a sacred trust to represent God’s authority, wisdom, and love to the next generation, creating an earthly picture of our Heavenly Father’s perfect care.