Strong’s G3967: From πατήρ (father); pertaining to one’s fathers or ancestors, paternal, hereditary. Used to describe traditions, customs, or beliefs passed down through generations. In NT context, specifically refers to Jewish ancestral traditions Paul once zealously followed.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατρικός describes that which belongs to or comes from fathers, emphasizing hereditary traditions and customs. In the New Testament, it appears in Paul’s testimony about his former zeal for Jewish traditions. Early church writers used it to discuss the balance between honoring ancestral faith and embracing new revelation in Christ. Today, it helps us understand the relationship between inherited religious traditions and living faith.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πατρικός, patrikos, [pa-tree-KOS]
• Detailed pronunciation: pah-tree-KOSS (emphasis on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πατήρ (father)
• Suffix: -ικος (belonging to, characteristic of)
• Forms adjective indicating paternal connection

D – Defining Meanings

• Paternal, belonging to fathers
• Ancestral, hereditary
• Traditional, handed down

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

Translation Options:

• Ancestral – Emphasizing generational inheritance
• Paternal – Emphasizing direct father relationship
• Traditional – Emphasizing handed-down customs

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πάτριος [patrios, PAT-ree-os] – hereditary, ancestral
• προγονικός [progonikos, pro-go-nee-KOS] – ancestral
• παραδοτός [paradotos, pa-ra-do-TOS] – handed down

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Second Declension Adjective
• Three Gender Forms:
• Masculine: πατρικός
• Feminine: πατρική
• Neuter: πατρικόν
• Case endings follow regular pattern
• Cross-references: πατρῷος (paternal inheritance)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for inherited traditions. Thayer’s notes its connection to family customs. LSJ documents its broad usage in cultural contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in Paul’s testimony. Moulton and Milligan show its use in family inheritance documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the ancestral [πατρικός] traditions.” (Galatians 1:14)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πατρικός reminds us that while ancestral traditions can be valuable, true faith in Christ transcends mere inherited religion. Paul’s experience shows how encountering Jesus transforms our relationship with traditions, calling us to find our primary identity in Christ while respecting our heritage.

D – Did You Know?

1. Often used in legal documents about inheritance rights
2. Played key role in early church debates about Jewish customs
3. Influenced development of Christian views on tradition

Strong’s G3967: From πατήρ (father); pertaining to one’s fathers or ancestors, paternal, hereditary. Used to describe traditions, customs, or beliefs passed down through generations. In NT context, specifically refers to Jewish ancestral traditions Paul once zealously followed.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Tradition #Heritage #Ancestry #JewishCustoms #PaulTestimony #Inheritance #FamilyTraditions #ReligiousIdentity #Conversion #Culture​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​