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συγγένεια

syngéneia

G4772 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The state of being related by birth or family ties; kinship or familial connection. More specifically, 'syngéneia' denotes the quality or condition of sharing a common ancestry, used for blood relationship or, by extension, extended kinship group. In some contexts, it can refer concretely to members of one's family or clan, but the primary focus is on the bond of shared origin rather than legal or marital connection.

Semantic Range

kinship, blood relationship, familial connection, relatives, extended family, clan, lineage

Root / Etymology

Derived from the adjective συγγενής (syngenēs, 'related by birth, kindred'), which is formed from the preposition σύν (with, together) and the noun γένος (race, family, kind), combining to mean 'having the same origin.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, συγγένεια generally refers to blood relationship or kinship, rather than merely legal or political association. In Hellenistic and New Testament contexts, it retains this basic sense, often used for extended family connections and the wider clan or ancestral group (cf. Luke 1:61, Luke 21:16). The Septuagint frequently employs συγγένεια to translate Hebrew words for clan, tribe, or kin (e.g., מִשְׁפָּחָה‎ 'mishpachah'), which can include extended family beyond the immediate household. Standard English translations like 'kindred,' 'relatives,' or 'kinsfolk' are generally accurate but may underrepresent the breadth of the term in some contexts, which can extend to clan or lineage. In ancient Mediterranean society, one's συγγένεια was a critical marker for social and legal standing, often forming the core of identity and obligations. Not limited to the nuclear family, it encompasses lineage, clan, and ancestral relationships. The semantic range is somewhat broader than the simple 'relative' and does not refer to non-blood relationships or affiliations by marriage unless otherwise specified by context. Distinct from φίλος (friend/associate) or ἔθνος (people/nation), though overlapping with γένος ('family, race') but with a focus on interpersonal connection.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from συγγενής; relationship, i.e. (concretely) relatives:--kindred.

Root Family

συγγένεια (syngeneia) — kinship, shared ancestry, blood relationship, familial connection

Root γεν- to beget, to produce, to be born, to come from a common ancestor

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4772-02 συγγενείας suggeneias N GEN F SG kindred of shared ancestry kindred 2
G4772-01 συγγένειαν suggeneian N ACC F SG kindred kinship kindred 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4772-02 Luke 1:61 συγγενείας suggeneias N GEN F SG relatives of shared ancestry kindred
G4772-02 Acts 7:3 συγγενείας suggeneias N GEN F SG kindred of shared ancestry kindred
G4772-01 Acts 7:14 συγγένειαν suggeneian N ACC F SG kindred kinship kindred
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