Understanding ἀνεψιός (anepsios) Strong’s G431: Unraveling the Complex Biblical Term for Nephew or Cousin

Pronunciation Guide: an-eps-ee-os’ (ἀνεψιός)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G431: ἀνεψιός appears as a hapax legomenon (occurring only once) in the New Testament. While the King James Version translates it as “sister’s son,” most modern translations render it as “cousin.” This translation difference reflects the term’s complex semantic range in ancient Greek and the evolution of family relationship terminology between classical and Koine periods.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine) from classical Greek
• Found in both legal and familial contexts
• Used in narrative and epistolary literature
• Appears in classical, Hellenistic, and Koine Greek
• Demonstrates semantic development over time

ἀνεψιός Morphology:

• ἀνεψιός (nominative singular) – nephew/cousin
• ἀνεψιοῦ (genitive singular) – of a nephew/cousin
• ἀνεψιῷ (dative singular) – to/for a nephew/cousin
• ἀνεψιόν (accusative singular) – nephew/cousin (as object)
• ἀνεψιοί (nominative plural) – nephews/cousins

Origin & History

The term ἀνεψιός has a rich history in Greek literature. In classical Greek (5th-4th centuries BCE), it primarily denoted a cousin relationship, as evidenced in Herodotus’s Histories (7.82) and Xenophon’s works (Memorabilia 2.3.4). However, by the Hellenistic period (3rd century BCE-1st century CE), papyrological evidence suggests the word had broadened to sometimes include nephew relationships.

Legal documents from Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt show ἀνεψιός being used in contexts where precise family relationships needed to be established, adding weight to its importance in defining family connections. The semantic shift between classical and Koine periods helps explain the current translation debate.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Sister’s son/nephew (KJV interpretation)
• First cousin (classical Greek usage)
• Close blood relative (broader application)
• Extended family member (general usage)

ἀνεψιός Translation Options:

• “Sister’s son” – Following KJV tradition and some Hellenistic usage
• “Cousin” – Reflecting classical Greek and modern scholarly consensus
• “Kinsman” – When broader family relationship is in view
• “Relative” – General term encompassing both possibilities

Biblical Usage

The sole New Testament occurrence appears in Colossians 4:10, describing Mark’s relationship to Barnabas. This singular usage has generated significant scholarly discussion regarding its precise meaning:

• “Marcus, sister’s son [ἀνεψιός] to Barnabas” Colossians 4:10 (KJV)
• “Mark, the cousin [ἀνεψιός] of Barnabas” Colossians 4:10 (ESV, NIV, NASB)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean society, both cousin and nephew relationships carried significant social obligations. Jewish culture particularly emphasized these extended family bonds, with uncles often taking responsibility for nephews’ education and career development. Similarly, cousin relationships often involved mutual support and business partnerships.

The specific mention of this relationship in Colossians suggests its importance for understanding early church dynamics, particularly how family networks facilitated ministry partnerships and leadership development. Whether Mark was Barnabas’s nephew or cousin, their relationship proved crucial for Mark’s restoration after his early ministry failure (Acts 15:37-38).

Theological Significance

The precise nature of Mark and Barnabas’s relationship illuminates how God works through family networks. If Mark was Barnabas’s nephew, it demonstrates God’s use of uncle-nephew mentoring relationships. If cousin, it shows how peer family relationships could facilitate ministry development.

Their relationship proved pivotal in Mark’s restoration and eventual authorship of the Gospel bearing his name. This divine use of family bonds ultimately contributed to both Paul’s ministry (2 Timothy 4:11) and Peter’s (1 Peter 5:13).

Personal Application

The translation debate surrounding ἀνεψιός reminds us that God works through various family relationships to accomplish His purposes. Whether we have opportunities to mentor younger family members like nephews or support peers like cousins, these relationships can become channels for spiritual growth and restoration.

This word challenges us to recognize and nurture our extended family relationships, understanding that God may use these bonds for Kingdom purposes just as He did with Mark and Barnabas.

Related Words

• συγγενής (sungenes) [soon-ghen-ace] – relative, kinsman (broader term) See G4773
• ἀδελφή (adelphe) [ad-el-fay] – sister (shows maternal connection) See G79
• θεῖος (theios) [thei-os] – uncle (paternal or maternal) See G2307
• οἰκεῖος (oikeios) [oy-key-os] – household member See G3609

Did you Know?

• The KJV translators’ choice of “sister’s son” may reflect their access to Hellenistic papyri showing this usage, though such documents were less extensively studied in their time than today.
• Modern archaeological discoveries have revealed numerous family business contracts between both cousins and nephews in first-century Jewish communities, showing how these relationships functioned in daily life.
• The debate over translating ἀνεψιός exemplifies how biblical translation must consider both diachronic (changes over time) and synchronic (usage at a specific time) aspects of word meanings.

Remember This

Whether denoting a nephew or cousin relationship, ἀνεψιός reveals God’s design for extended family connections to serve as channels of grace, mentoring, and restoration in His Kingdom work.