ἀνεψιός (anepsios)
anepsios
cousin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anepsios refers specifically to a cousin or nephew, denoting a close familial bond within the extended family circle. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Colossians 4:10, where Mark is identified as the cousin of Barnabas.
This term highlights the personal networks behind early Christian ministry. By naming Mark this way, Paul connects two key figures, showing how family ties supported the spread of the gospel. The word underscores that faith communities often grew through existing relationships and kinship bonds.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anepsios simply means cousin or close relative. In the New Testament it appears only once, in Colossians 4:10. Paul mentions Mark as the cousin of Barnabas. This small detail reveals how family ties supported early Christian ministry. It shows that faith communities often grew through existing relationships.
For your life today, this reminds us that God uses our personal networks to spread the gospel. We are not isolated in our faith journey. Our connections with others, even difficult ones, can become channels of grace. Paul’s gentle instruction to receive Mark suggests patience and restoration within these bonds.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cousin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνεψιὸς1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”),
This is the only occurrence of anepsios in the New Testament, identifying Mark as Barnabas's cousin and highlighting how family connections facilitated early church ministry.