γενεά (genea)
genea
generation
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun genea refers to a generation, encompassing both the people of a specific time and the lineage connecting them. Derived from a root meaning "to be born," it describes those who share a common ancestry or, more broadly, the entire group of contemporaries living during a single era. In the New Testament, this word appears frequently in the Gospels, often highlighting the distinct character of Jesus’ own time.
A key nuance is its use to describe a collective moral disposition rather than just biological descent. Jesus applies it critically to his listeners, calling them a "perverse and adulterous generation" in Matthew 12:39 and Mark 8:38. Here, the term captures a shared spiritual stubbornness that defines the era, distinguishing these people from the faithful remnant or previous ancestors.
The word also carries a temporal weight, referring to the lifespan of a group or successive ages. In Luke 1:50, Mary speaks of God’s mercy extending "from generation to generation," echoing the Hebrew phrase for endless continuity. Similarly, passages like Ephesians 3:21 look toward all future generations, framing divine glory as something that transcends any single historical moment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word genea points to a specific group of people sharing a common time and character. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to describe the spiritual condition of those hearing Him. He calls His listeners an "evil and adulterous generation," highlighting their stubborn refusal to recognize God's work despite clear evidence. This usage reminds us that faith is not just about being alive in a certain era, but about how we respond to truth when it is presented.
Yet the word also carries hope. Mary sings of God’s mercy extending "from generation to generation." This shows that divine grace is not limited by time or human failure. While one group may reject light, another will receive it. The term encourages us to consider our own spiritual posture and to trust that God’s promises endure beyond any single lifetime.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- generation27×
- generations11×
- A generation2×
- to generation1×
- of a generation1×
- generations,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γενεὰ11×
- γενεᾶς10×
- γενεᾷ6×
- γενεαὶ5×
- γενεὰν4×
- γενεὰς3×
- γενεαῖς2×
- γενεῶν,1×
- γενεῶν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:39
But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
Jesus labels His contemporaries an "evil and adulterous generation" for demanding a sign while ignoring the prophet already among them.
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Luke 1:50
His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.
Mary describes God’s mercy as lasting through successive generations, emphasizing continuity rather than isolation in faith.
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Matthew 24:34
Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things are accomplished.
Jesus declares that "this generation" will not pass until prophecy is fulfilled, anchoring eschatological hope in historical reality.
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Mark 8:38
For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
The phrase "adulterous and sinful generation" warns against shame regarding Christ’s words in a morally compromised culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does genea mean in the New Testament?
Why does Jesus call his listeners an "evil generation"?
Does genea refer only to biological descendants?
Every Occurrence (37 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 10 verses
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen…
Matthew 11:16“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their…
Matthew 12:39But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the…
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 12:42The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the…
Matthew 12:45Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The…
Matthew 16:4An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the…
Matthew 17:17Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring…
Matthew 23:36Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.
Matthew 24:34Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things are accomplished.