γονεύς (goneus)
goneus
parent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun goneus refers to a parent, encompassing both father and mother. Derived from the verb for "to be born," it literally means one who brings forth offspring. In the New Testament, it appears most frequently in the plural form, describing parents as a unit rather than individuals.
This term carries significant weight in narratives about family dynamics and religious obligation. Jesus uses it to highlight conflicts between traditional honor and spiritual priority, such as when he notes that family members will betray one another (Mark 13:12). It also appears in instructions for children, urging them to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1).
Translators consistently render goneus as "parent" or "parents," capturing its inclusive nature. The word underscores the foundational role of family in social and spiritual life, while also revealing the tensions that can arise when allegiance to God intersects with familial duties.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word goneus simply means parent, referring to either a father or mother. It comes from a root meaning 'to be born,' highlighting the natural bond of bringing life into the world. In the New Testament, it often appears in the plural, reminding us that family is a shared responsibility and a primary context for our daily lives.
While this word usually calls for respect and obedience, as seen in Ephesians 6:1, it also reveals the hard reality of broken relationships. Jesus warned in Mark 13:12 that even parents might betray their children during times of great upheaval. This shows that while family ties are sacred, they can sometimes be tested by external pressures or spiritual conflict.
For your faith, goneus invites you to honor the gift of family while keeping your ultimate allegiance with God. Whether you are a parent guiding a child or a child respecting elders, this word grounds you in the reality of human connection. It encourages patience and grace, knowing that these relationships reflect deeper spiritual truths about care, authority, and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- parents18×
- to parents2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γονεῖς14×
- γονεῦσιν5×
- γονέων1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
This verse provides the direct command for children to obey their parents, grounding the instruction in the Lord.
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Mark 13:12
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
Here Jesus uses the plural form to describe the tragic breakdown of family bonds during times of persecution.
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Luke 2:41
His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.
This occurrence highlights the faithful practice of Joseph and Mary taking Jesus to Jerusalem for the annual feast.