Brief Overview of πενθερά (Strong’s G3994: penthera)

Strong’s G3994: A feminine noun meaning mother-in-law, specifically wife’s mother. In NT appears in contexts of Jesus’s healing ministry and discussions of family relationships. Significant in showing Jesus’s concern for extended family relationships and His power to heal within family contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πενθερά represents the important family relationship of mother-in-law, particularly significant in ancient household structures. In NT usage, it appears notably in Jesus’s healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, demonstrating Christ’s care for family relationships. Early church writers saw this as exemplifying how faith impacts family dynamics. Today, it reminds us of Christ’s concern for all family relationships.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πενθερά, penthera, [pen-the-RA]
• Detailed pronunciation: pen-theh-RAH
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Related to Indo-European *bendh- (to bind)
• Feminine form of πενθερός (father-in-law)
• Indicates marriage relationship
• Forms kinship term

D – Defining Meanings

• Mother-in-law
• Wife’s mother
• Mother by marriage

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

Translation Options:

• Mother-in-law – Standard translation
• Wife’s mother – Specific relationship
• Mother by marriage – Formal usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πενθερός [pentheros, pen-the-ROS] – father-in-law
• νύμφη [nymphē, NOOM-fay] – daughter-in-law
• γαμβρός [gambros, gam-BROS] – son-in-law

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First Declension
• Feminine Gender
• Nominative: πενθερά
• Genitive: πενθερᾶς
• Dative: πενθερᾷ
• Accusative: πενθεράν
• Cross-references: πενθερός (father-in-law)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes family relationship aspect. Thayer’s notes cultural significance. LSJ traces usage in family law. Vine’s highlights NT contexts. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in family documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother [πενθερά] lying sick with a fever.” (Matthew 8:14)

Additional References:
Mark 1:30, Luke 4:38, Luke 12:53

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πενθερά shows how Christ’s healing power extends to all family relationships. The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law demonstrates that Jesus’s redemptive work impacts entire family networks, bringing wholeness to extended family relationships.

D – Did You Know?

1. Important legal term in marriage documents
2. Key role in ancient household structure
3. Featured in early church teaching on family life

Strong’s G3994: A feminine noun meaning mother-in-law, specifically wife’s mother. In NT appears in contexts of Jesus’s healing ministry and discussions of family relationships. Significant in showing Jesus’s concern for extended family relationships and His power to heal within family contexts.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Family #Relationships #Marriage #Healing #PeterFamily #JesusMinistry #FamilyLife #InLaws #Households #ExtendedFamily​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​