γένος (genos)
genos
family: descendant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun genos refers to a group sharing common origin or nature, encompassing family, race, nation, or even a specific kind of thing. It describes the aggregate of individuals linked by descent, such as when Paul identifies himself as a Benjaminite by tribe (Philippians 3:5) or when Peter calls believers a chosen race (1 Peter 2:9). The term bridges the personal circle of kin and the broader scope of ethnic identity.
Its meaning shifts contextually to denote a category or sort, particularly in lists of varieties. Paul uses it to distinguish between different spiritual gifts within the church (1 Corinthians 12:10) and to describe various types of fish caught in a net (Matthew 13:47). This usage highlights that genos can classify things by shared characteristics rather than just bloodline.
Derived from the verb gignomai, meaning "to become" or "to be born," the word emphasizes origin as the defining feature of the group. Whether applied to human lineage or natural categories, it consistently points to a shared source. Translators render it variously as kindred, stock, or generation depending on whether the focus is on ancestry or classification.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word genos reminds us that we are never truly isolated. It describes a group bound by common origin, whether that is biological family, ethnic heritage, or even a shared category of things. In your daily life, this concept helps you understand your place within a larger story. You belong to a lineage, a community, and a spiritual family that shares a deeper connection than surface differences might suggest.
For the believer, this identity is both inherited and transformed. While our earthly roots define our past, our spiritual birth defines our present. The New Testament uses this term to show that Christians are part of a 'chosen race,' united not by blood but by faith in Christ. This means your value comes from being created by God and redeemed by Him, linking you to millions of believers across time and culture.
When you feel alone or misunderstood, remember that genos points to belonging. You are an offspring of God, part of a vast family that transcends national boundaries. This shared origin invites you to treat others with dignity, recognizing that every person carries the imprint of their Creator, just as you do.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- kind3×
- various kinds2×
- offspring2×
- a native,2×
- race,1×
- race1×
- of [the] family1×
- kinds1×
- family1×
- descent1×
- countrymen1×
- by race,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γένος8×
- γένους4×
- γένει,4×
- γένη3×
- γένους,1×
- γένει1×
Key Verses
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I Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
This verse redefines genos from ethnic lineage to spiritual identity, calling believers a 'chosen race' united by God's call.
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Philippians 3:5
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Paul lists his Jewish heritage using genos to highlight his rigorous background before finding greater value in knowing Christ.
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Acts 17:29
Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.
Here genos refers to being offspring of God, grounding human dignity and identity directly in our Creator rather than material idols.
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Matthew 13:47
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
Jesus uses genos for 'every kind' of fish to illustrate that the Kingdom gathers people from all diverse backgrounds into one net.