ἀγενής – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gen-ACE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G36: An adjective meaning “low-born, ignoble, of no family,” derived from the negative prefix ‘a’ and ‘genos’ (birth, family). This word describes those considered socially insignificant or of humble origin according to worldly standards.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Language Origin: Compound word from Greek
• α- (negative prefix)
• γένος (genos: family, race, kind)

Morphology

• ἀγενής – masculine/feminine nominative singular
• ἀγενές – neuter nominative/accusative singular
• ἀγενεῖς – masculine/feminine nominative/accusative plural

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγενής emerged in classical Greek society where family lineage and social status held paramount importance. In ancient Athens, it was used to distinguish between those of noble birth (εὐγενής) and those lacking prestigious ancestry. Plato employs this term in his “Republic” when discussing social classes, while Aristotle uses it in his discourse on virtue and nobility.

The word carried significant social and cultural weight, often serving as a marker of social boundaries and limitations in Hellenistic society. Its usage in secular Greek literature primarily appeared in contexts discussing social hierarchy and political rights.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, this word appears notably in 1 Corinthians 1:28, where Paul deliberately uses it to highlight God’s counter-cultural wisdom in choosing those whom society deems insignificant. The apostle employs it as part of a powerful rhetorical strategy to demonstrate how God subverts human expectations and social hierarchies.

The word forms part of Paul’s larger argument about divine wisdom versus worldly wisdom, appearing alongside other terms that emphasize God’s preference for using the seemingly weak and foolish to accomplish His purposes.

Key Passages

• 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 – Paul’s discourse on God’s choice of the lowly
• 1 Corinthians 1:29 – The purpose behind God’s choice

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Roman world, social status was everything. The concept of being ἀγενής carried severe social, economic, and political implications. Those labeled as such often faced limited access to education, political participation, and economic opportunities. This background makes Paul’s use of the term particularly striking, as he presents it not as a disadvantage but as a divine advantage in God’s economy.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀγενής in Scripture reveals a fundamental aspect of God’s character and His kingdom principles. It demonstrates that God deliberately chooses to work through those whom society marginalizes or dismisses. This divine pattern appears throughout Scripture, from His choice of David as king to the humble birth of the Messiah Jesus.

This word serves as a powerful reminder that God’s kingdom operates on principles that often invert worldly values. It highlights how He consistently uses the unlikely and overlooked to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that His glory alone shines through human weakness.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀγενής challenges believers to examine their own attitudes toward status, influence, and effectiveness in God’s kingdom. It encourages us to embrace our limitations and apparent weaknesses as potential vessels for God’s power. When we feel inadequate or overlooked, this word reminds us that such qualities might precisely be what God uses for His glory.

Related Words

• ταπεινός (humble, lowly) – See G5011
• εὐγενής (well-born, noble) – See G2104
• ἀσθενής (weak, sick) – See G772
• μωρός (foolish) – See G3474

Did You Know?

• The word ἀγενής appears only once in the entire New Testament, making its theological significance even more striking.
• In ancient Greek athletic competitions, competitors were often divided by birth status, with the ἀγενής typically excluded from certain events.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of this word to describe humble origins or lack of pedigree.

Remember This

God’s selection of the ἀγενής demonstrates His pattern of using the unlikely to accomplish the impossible.