γενεαλογία (genealogia)
genealogia
genealogy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun genealogia refers to a record of descent or lineage, essentially a pedigree that traces family connections across generations. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within the Pastoral Epistles in First Timothy and Titus. The word denotes the structured listing of ancestors rather than just a casual mention of family ties.
Its usage carries a specific theological weight in these contexts. Paul warns against engaging with genealogies that are "empty" or "unprofitable," suggesting they were being used to fuel speculative debates or legalistic disputes rather than building up the faith. The focus is on the content and purpose of the lineage record, highlighting how such lists could become distractions from the core message of grace.
The term derives from roots meaning "generation" and "account" or "story," pointing to a narrative of origins. Translators consistently render it as "genealogy," preserving its sense of a formal historical account. This limited occurrence underscores that while family history was important in Jewish culture, Paul viewed certain types of genealogical speculation as hindrances to spiritual growth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word genealogy in the New Testament points to a formal record of family lines, tracing ancestry across generations. In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul uses this term to caution believers against getting lost in endless lists that spark arguments rather than faith. These accounts were often used to fuel speculative debates or legalistic disputes, distracting from the core message of grace.
For your daily walk, this serves as a gentle reminder to focus on what truly builds up your spirit. When you encounter complex theological questions or historical details that lead only to contention, it is wise to step back. God’s stewardship is found in faith and love, not in winning arguments about lineage.
Instead of chasing every new theory or ancestral puzzle, let your heart rest in the simplicity of the gospel. This approach keeps your mind clear and your spirit grounded, allowing you to serve others with patience and kindness rather than frustration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to genealogies1×
- genealogies1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γενεαλογίας1×
- γενεαλογίαις1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 1:4
and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith.
This verse highlights how genealogies can cause disputes instead of promoting God’s stewardship through faith.
-
Titus 3:9
but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Here Paul explicitly labels genealogies as unprofitable and vain when they lead to foolish questionings and strife.