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G3970 (πατροπαράδοτος)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G3970
Original Word: πατροπαράδοτος
Transliteration: patroparádotos
Pronunciation: pat-rop-ar-ad'-ot-os
Part of Speech: adjective
Root / Etymology: from G3962 (πατήρ) and a derivative of G3860 (παραδίδωμι) (in the sense of handing over or down);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1377

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 traditionary

received by tradition from fathers

from G3962 (πατήρ) and a derivative of G3860 (παραδίδωμι) (in the sense of handing over or down);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G3970: A compound adjective meaning "handed down from fathers" or "received by tradition from ancestors." Used to describe inherited customs and beliefs. In NT context, refers to former way of life from which believers were redeemed through Christ's blood.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πατροπαράδοτος describes traditions and customs inherited from previous generations. In its NT context, Peter uses it to contrast the empty way of life inherited from ancestors with the new life in Christ. The early church understood it as representing the old patterns of life that needed transformation. Today, it helps us evaluate cultural inheritances in light of gospel truth.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: πατροπαράδοτος, patroparadotos, [pa-tro-pa-RA-do-tos]
Detailed pronunciation: pah-tro-pah-RAH-doe-toss
Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

πατρο- (father)
παρα- (from, beside)
δοτος (given)
Compound of three elements forming "given from fathers"

D - Defining Meanings

Handed down from fathers
Received by tradition
Inherited from ancestors

For compound words:

πατρο- indicates paternal source
παρα- indicates transmission
-δοτος indicates the giving/receiving action

Translation Options:

Handed down from ancestors - Most complete meaning
Traditionally received - Emphasizing transmission
Inherited from fathers - Emphasizing source

E - Exploring Similar Words

παράδοσις [paradosis, pa-RA-do-sis] - tradition in general
πατρικός [patrikos, pa-tree-KOS] - paternal
κληρονομία [klēronomia, klay-ro-no-MEE-ah] - inheritance

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

Compound Adjective
Three Gender Forms:
Masculine: πατροπαράδοτος
Feminine: πατροπαράδοτη
Neuter: πατροπαράδοτον
Second Declension pattern
Cross-references: παράδοσις (tradition)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its cultural significance. Thayer's notes its unique NT usage. LSJ traces similar compounds in classical Greek. Vine's highlights its contrast with Christian newness. Moulton and Milligan show its use in family inheritance contexts.

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T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
"Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers [πατροπαράδοτος], but with the precious blood of Christ." (1 Peter 1:18)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Diodorus: Library	"They kept their ancestral [πατροπαράδοτος] customs."
Josephus: Antiquities	"Following the traditions [πατροπαράδοτος] of their fathers."
Polybius: Histories	"They preserved their hereditary [πατροπαράδοτος] laws."

N - Noteworthy Summary

Πατροπαράδοτος helps us understand how Christ redeems us not just from individual sins but from inherited patterns of empty living. The gospel offers freedom from limiting traditions while preserving what is truly valuable in our heritage.

D - Did You Know?

Rare compound word in ancient Greek literature
Used in legal documents about inheritance rights
Became important in early church discussions about Jewish customs

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Tradition #Heritage #Redemption #Culture #AncestralCustoms #Inheritance #ChristianLife #Transformation #PeterEpistles #FamilyTraditions

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