πενθερός (pentheros)
pentheros
father-in-law
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pentheros refers specifically to a father-in-law, or more precisely, a wife’s father. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in John 18:13, where it identifies the man who led Jesus into custody.
While the word generally denotes a male relative by marriage, its usage here is notable for its brevity and specificity. The text simply calls him "the high priest’s father-in-law," linking Peter’s presence to this familial connection without further elaboration. This singular occurrence highlights how relational ties often underpin the narrative events of the Gospels.
The term itself has uncertain etymological roots, meaning its exact origin remains unclear to scholars. Despite this ambiguity, its meaning in Scripture is unambiguous: it marks a specific kinship bond that places Peter within the circle of those who witnessed Jesus’ arrest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pentheros identifies a specific family tie: a husband’s relationship with his wife’s father. In John 18:13, it appears in a brief note about Annas. He is called the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest who served that year. This simple label connects Peter to the scene where Jesus was taken into custody.
Family connections often shape our lives and decisions. Even in moments of fear or confusion, these ties remind us that we are not isolated. Peter’s presence near Annas shows how closely his life intersected with those holding power. It highlights the human side of the Gospel story—real people, real relationships, and real stakes.
This word invites us to see how God works through ordinary bonds. Whether in joy or trial, our connections matter. They place us in the midst of history and purpose. Trust that your own relationships, however complex, are seen and held by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- father-in-law1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πενθερὸς1×
Key Verses
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John 18:13
and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
This verse uses pentheros to identify Annas as Caiaphas's father-in-law, linking Peter’s presence to the high priest’s family network during Jesus' arrest.