Brief Overview of συγγένεια (Strong’s G4772: suggeneia)

Strong’s G4772: A feminine noun describing kinship, family relationship, or relatives collectively. From σύν (with) and γένος (race, family). Denotes blood relations and extended family connections in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Used in important narratives about family lineage and covenant relationships.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγγένεια represents the concept of kinship and family relationships, encompassing both immediate and extended family connections. In the New Testament, it carries significance beyond mere biological relationships, extending to spiritual kinship in God’s family. The early church understood this term as bridging the gap between natural and spiritual family, emphasizing how believers become part of God’s household through the Messiah. Today, it reminds us of both our natural family obligations and our spiritual family in the Messiah, highlighting the importance of community in God’s redemptive plan.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγγένεια, suggeneia, /soong-ghen’-i-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – ghen (as in “gen”) – EE – ah
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• γένος (genos) root meaning “race, family, kind”
• -εια (-eia) suffix forming abstract nouns
• Combined meaning: “those born together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Kinship, family relationship
• Collection of relatives
• Extended family connections

For compound words:

• σύν adds the concept of togetherness
• γέν- root provides the idea of birth/origin
• -εια makes it an abstract concept

Translation Options:

• “Kindred” – Captures both relationship and collective aspects
• “Family relations” – Emphasizes the relational aspect
• “Kinship group” – Highlights the collective nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γένος (genos) /ghen’-os/ – race, family See G1085
• συγγενής (suggenes) /soong-ghen-ace’/ – relative See G4773
• οἰκεῖος (oikeios) /oy-ki’-os/ – household member See G3609

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:

• Nominative: συγγένεια (kinship)
• Genitive: συγγενείας (of kinship)
• Dative: συγγενείᾳ (to/for kinship)
• Accusative: συγγένειαν (kinship as direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for blood relations and extended family connections. Thayer’s notes its broader application to tribal relationships. LSJ traces its classical usage in family law contexts. Vine’s highlights its importance in covenant relationships. Strong’s connects it to the concept of common descent. LEH notes its frequent use in the Septuagint for family groups. Moulton and Milligan show its use in family legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 1:61: “And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred [συγγένεια] that is called by this name.”

Additional References:
Acts 7:3
Acts 7:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγγένεια beautifully captures the interconnectedness of family relationships, both natural and spiritual. Through the Messiah, we are adopted into God’s family, creating a new kinship that transcends blood relations. This word reminds us that the good news creates a new family of believers united in our heavenly Father, while honoring our natural family connections.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient adoption documents, showing its legal significance
• Early Christians used it to describe their spiritual family relationships
• It influenced the development of church terminology for spiritual kinship

Strong’s G4772: A feminine noun describing kinship, family relationship, or relatives collectively. From σύν (with) and γένος (race, family). Denotes blood relations and extended family connections in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Used in important narratives about family lineage and covenant relationships.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: family, kinship, relationships, genealogy, covenant, spiritual-family, blood-relations, extended-family, adoption, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, family-terms​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​