πατριάρχης (patriarchēs)
patriarchēs
patriarch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun patriarchēs refers to a father and ruler, specifically denoting the founding fathers of a people. In the New Testament it identifies Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. The term combines words for "father" and "to rule," capturing both their familial role and their leadership status.
Scripture uses this title to highlight their authority and legacy. Peter calls them patriarchs when addressing the crowd in Jerusalem (Acts 2:29), while the author of Hebrews notes that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, respecting even this patriarch (Hebrews 7:4). The word emphasizes their position as heads of the ancestral line rather than just biological fathers.
Translators consistently render it "patriarch" to preserve its unique weight. It distinguishes these foundational figures from later kings or judges. The term anchors the identity of Israel in its ancient roots, pointing to the men who established the covenant community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word patriarchēs combines ideas of fatherhood and leadership, pointing to the founding figures who established God’s people. In the New Testament, this title highlights Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David as the ancestral heads of Israel. It reminds us that faith is not just a personal experience but part of a long, shared history.
When Peter speaks of David as a patriarch in Acts 2:29, he connects the present church to these ancient roots. This connection shows that God’s promises have been consistent across generations. You are part of this same story, linked to those who walked with God before you.
Hebrews 7:4 notes that even Abraham respected Melchizedek, showing that true leadership involves humility and reverence. These patriarchs were not perfect, but they were chosen to carry forward God’s covenant. Their lives invite us to trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He keeps His promises through time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- patriarchs.1×
- patriarchs1×
- patriarch.1×
- patriarch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πατριάρχου1×
- πατριάρχης.1×
- πατριάρχας.1×
- πατριάρχαι1×
Key Verses
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Acts 2:29
“Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
Peter uses this term for David to link the early church's message directly to Israel's foundational history.
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Acts 7:8
He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.
Stephen lists Jacob as the father of the twelve patriarchs, defining the tribal structure of Israel through these key figures.
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Hebrews 7:4
Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best plunder.
The author highlights Abraham's act of tithing to show the greatness of Melchizedek, using 'patriarch' to denote Abraham's supreme status among ancestors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does patriarchēs mean in the New Testament?
Why is David called a patriarch in Acts 2:29?
How is this word different from just 'father'?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Acts 3 verses
“Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to…
Acts 7:8He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day.…
Acts 7:9“The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him