ἔκγονος (ekgonos)
ekgonos
descendant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The term ekgonos refers to a direct descendant or offspring, indicating someone born from a specific lineage. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Timothy 5:4, where Paul instructs believers that if they have grandchildren, those grandchildren should first learn to show piety at home by repaying their parents and grandparents. This usage highlights a generational chain of care, moving from children to grandchildren.
Etymologically, the word combines the prefix ek ("out of") with gonos ("offspring" or "birth"). This construction emphasizes origin, marking the individual as someone who has emerged directly from their ancestors. While often translated simply as "grandchildren" in this context, the literal sense is broader, covering any descendant born of a particular line.
The scarcity of this word in Scripture makes its single appearance significant. By using ekgonos rather than a more general term for children, Paul specifically addresses the responsibility of younger generations toward their elders. It underscores a practical theology where faith is lived out through familial duty and mutual support across different ages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekgonos points to a direct descendant, highlighting the natural flow of life from one generation to the next. In 1 Timothy 5:4, Paul uses this term to encourage grandchildren to care for their aging parents and grandparents. This instruction grounds our faith in practical family love, showing that spiritual piety is lived out through tangible acts of support and respect within the home.
When we honor our elders, we participate in a cycle of grace that strengthens the entire community. It reminds us that our responsibilities do not end with our immediate household but extend to those who came before us. By stepping into this role with kindness, we reflect God’s own faithfulness across generations and create a legacy of care for those who follow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- grandchildren1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔκγονα1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 5:4
But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of ekgonos, where Paul specifically commands grandchildren to learn piety by caring for their parents and grandparents.