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ἀγενής

agenḗs

G36 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Lacking family lineage or noble ancestry; lacking recognised kin or significant social standing. In broader contexts, refers to someone or something considered insignificant, lowly, or of no account. Semantic range includes both literal social status (without family or descent) and figurative status (regarded as unimportant, base, or contemptible).

Semantic Range

without noble ancestry, without kin, of low social status, insignificant, unimportant, base, contemptible, lacking standing or value

Root / Etymology

Composed of the negative prefix ἀ- ('not, without') and γένος ('family, kind, race, stock, lineage'). Thus, ἀγενής literally means 'without lineage' or 'not of a family.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀγενής is used to describe those without known or respectable ancestry, often indicating low status in a stratified society. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the term acquires broader application, denoting not only lack of lineage but also social insignificance or lack of esteem. In New Testament contexts, particularly 1 Corinthians 1:28, it is used metaphorically to refer to persons or groups considered insignificant or of low social standing by prevailing cultural standards, not simply those lacking genealogical pedigree. The Septuagint uses may be limited or reflect similar social distinctions. English translations often render it as 'base,' 'lowly,' or 'of no account,' though these do not always capture the full social nuance of the Greek term.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as negative particle) and γένος; properly, without kin, i.e. (of unknown descent, and by implication) ignoble:--base things.

Root Family

ἀγενής (agenēs) — without lineage, without kin, ignoble, low status

Root γεν- to be born, family, lineage, race

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G36-01 ἀγενῆ agene ADJ.S ACC N PL lowly ignoble things ignoble things 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G36-01 1 Corinthians 1:28 ἀγενῆ agene ADJ.S ACC N PL lowly ignoble things ignoble things
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