Brief Overview of πατρίς (Strong’s G3968: patris)
Strong’s G3968: From πατήρ; one’s native place, homeland, or fatherland. In NT usage, specifically refers to hometown or ancestral region. Notable in describing Jesus’s rejection in Nazareth, highlighting the prophet’s lack of honor in their own country.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πατρίς expresses deep connection to one’s place of origin, encompassing both geographical and cultural identity. In the New Testament, it gains particular significance through Jesus’s experience of rejection in His hometown. The early church saw this as a pattern for understanding both earthly and heavenly citizenship. Today, it helps believers navigate their dual identity as citizens of earth and heaven.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πατρίς, patris, [pa-TREES]
- Detailed pronunciation: pah-TREES (emphasis on second syllable)
- Part of Speech: Noun
Etymology:
- Root: πατήρ (father)
- Suffix: -ις (forms feminine abstract noun)
- Indicates place or territory associated with fathers
D – Defining Meanings
- Native land
- Hometown
- Fatherland
- Place of origin
For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived noun
Translation Options:
- Homeland – Emphasizing territorial connection
- Native place – Focusing on origin
- Hometown – When referring to specific locality
E – Exploring Similar Words
- πόλις [polis, PO-lis] – city, broader term
- χώρα [chōra, KHO-ra] – country, region
- οἰκία [oikia, oy-KEE-ah] – home, house
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
- Third Declension
- Feminine Gender
- Nominative: πατρίς
- Genitive: πατρίδος
- Dative: πατρίδι
- Accusative: πατρίδα
- Cross-references: πατριώτης (fellow countryman)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its use for hometown context. Thayer’s notes its connection to ancestral heritage. LSJ traces its development in Greek civic identity. Vine’s highlights its role in Jesus’s ministry. Moulton and Milligan show its use in administrative documents.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“When He had come to His own country [πατρίς], He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?'” (Matthew 13:54)
Additional References:
Mark 6:1, Luke 4:23, John 4:44, Hebrews 11:14
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Homer: Odyssey | “Longing for his homeland [πατρίς] and wife.” |
| Herodotus: Histories | “They fought bravely for their fatherland [πατρίς].” |
| Plato: Crito | “One must honor one’s native land [πατρίς].” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πατρίς reminds us that while earthly connections matter, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. Jesus’s experience teaches that the gospel often faces resistance in familiar settings but extends far beyond local boundaries. This encourages believers to maintain eternal perspective while engaging their earthly communities.
D – Did You Know?
- Used in Greek civic oaths of loyalty
- Central term in ancient discussions of exile
- Influenced early Christian concepts of heavenly citizenship
Strong’s G3968: From πατήρ; one’s native place, homeland, or fatherland. In NT usage, specifically refers to hometown or ancestral region. Notable in describing Jesus’s rejection in Nazareth, highlighting the prophet’s lack of honor in their own country.
Part of speech: Noun
Tags: #Homeland #Citizenship #NativePlace #JesusMinistry #Rejection #Identity #Community #Heaven #Belonging #EarthlyHome #HeavenlyHome
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
