Brief Overview of πατριά (Strong’s G3965: patria)

Strong’s G3965: From πατήρ; lineage, family, tribe, or clan. Denotes a group of people descended from a common ancestor. In NT usage, emphasizes both earthly family lines and the spiritual family of God. Significant in understanding biblical concepts of identity and belonging.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατριά fundamentally represents family lineage and descent groups. In the New Testament, it carries deep significance in both genealogical and theological contexts. The early church understood it as expressing both natural family relationships and the new spiritual family created through Christ. Today, it helps us understand our dual identity as members of earthly families and God’s spiritual household.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πατριά, patria, [pa-tree-AH]
• Detailed pronunciation: pah-tree-AH (emphasis on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πατήρ (father)
• Suffix: -ια (denoting a collective group)
• Forms abstract noun indicating descent group

D – Defining Meanings

• Family lineage
• Clan or tribe
• Ancestral group
• Extended family unit

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived noun

Translation Options:

• Family – When emphasizing immediate relations
• Lineage – When emphasizing descent
• Clan – When emphasizing extended family structure

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γένος [genos, GEN-os] – race, kind, family
• φυλή [phylē, foo-LAY] – tribe, larger group
• οἶκος [oikos, OY-kos] – household

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First Declension
• Feminine Gender
• Nominative Singular: πατριά
• Genitive: πατριᾶς
• Dative: πατριᾷ
• Accusative: πατριάν
• Cross-references: πατρικός (paternal), πατριώτης (compatriot)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in family and tribal contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to ancestry. LSJ traces its development from family to larger social units. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Moulton and Milligan show its use in family records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family [πατριά] of David.” (Luke 2:4)

Additional References:
Acts 3:25, Ephesians 3:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πατριά beautifully illustrates how Christ creates a new family identity while honoring natural family connections. Through the gospel, we become part of God’s family while maintaining our earthly family relationships, showing how divine adoption complements human kinship.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used extensively in Septuagint for tribal divisions
2. Played key role in early church organization
3. Influenced development of Christian family theology

Strong’s G3965: From πατήρ; lineage, family, tribe, or clan. Denotes a group of people descended from a common ancestor. In NT usage, emphasizes both earthly family lines and the spiritual family of God. Significant in understanding biblical concepts of identity and belonging.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Family #Lineage #Tribe #Ancestry #BiblicalGenealogy #Identity #ChristianFamily #Kinship #Belonging #ChurchFamily #DivineAdoption​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​