ἀγενεαλόγητος (agenealogētos)
agenealogētos
without genealogy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective agenealogētos describes someone whose lineage is unrecorded or cannot be traced. Literally meaning "without genealogy," it refers to a person for whom no ancestral pedigree exists in the available records. This term appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Hebrews 7:3.
In this context, the author uses the word to describe Melchizedek. The text notes that he has neither beginning of days nor end of life, and is without father, mother, or genealogy. This description does not necessarily imply that Melchizedek had no biological ancestors, but rather that the biblical narrative provides no record of his family line. By omitting these details, the text highlights his unique role as a priest in a way that parallels the eternal nature of the Son.
The contrast here is significant. While the Levitical priesthood relied heavily on documented ancestry to establish legitimacy, Melchizedek’s priesthood stands apart because it is not derived from tribal registration. The sources indicate that this lack of recorded descent serves a theological purpose: it allows Melchizedek to function as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, whose priesthood is based on an indestructible life rather than legal descent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agenealogētos appears just once in Scripture, describing Melchizedek as having no recorded family line. In a culture where ancestry determined status and priesthood, this silence is striking. It reminds us that God’s work often operates outside human systems of verification and lineage.
This detail points toward Jesus, whose eternal nature transcends earthly records. We find comfort knowing our identity in Christ does not depend on our background or achievements. His priesthood rests on an indestructible life, offering a hope that is secure and unchanging for all who believe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- without genealogy,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγενεαλόγητος,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:3
without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.
This verse uses the term to highlight Melchizedek’s lack of recorded ancestors, setting him apart as a type of Christ whose priesthood is eternal rather than based on tribal descent.