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G3967 (πατρικός)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G3967
Original Word: πατρικός
Transliteration: patrikós
Pronunciation: pat-ree-kos'
Part of Speech: adjective
Root / Etymology: from G3962 (πατήρ);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 781

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 paternal, i.e. ancestral

of fathers

from G3962 (πατήρ);

Commentary

Contributors:

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.

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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

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Republic	"He followed the paternal [πατρικός] customs."
Thucydides: History	"They maintained their ancestral [πατρικός] laws."
Demosthenes: Speeches	"He inherited the paternal [πατρικός] estate."

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?

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

Part of speech: Adjective

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

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