ἀνεψιός

a cousin

Definition

The Greek word ἀνεψιός specifically means a male cousin, a child of one's uncle or aunt. In the New Testament, it is used in the singular to denote a single male cousin, as seen in Colossians 4:10. The term can also be understood more broadly in some contexts to refer to a nephew or a close relative, but its primary and most precise meaning is 'cousin'. This is its only occurrence in the biblical text, so its meaning is consistent.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Colossians 4:10. In this verse, Paul sends greetings from 'Mark, the cousin (ἀνεψιός) of Barnabas.' The usage is straightforward, identifying a specific familial relationship within the early Christian community. It appears in a personal, epistolary context rather than a doctrinal one.

Etymology

The word is derived from the prefix ἀν- (an-, meaning 'not' or 'without') and a root related to the word 'epsios', which is of uncertain origin but may be connected to terms for 'kinsman'. The compound suggests a meaning like 'not of the immediate family', hence a more extended relative like a cousin. It is a specific term for a cousin, distinct from more general words for kin.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, extended family relationships were often crucial for identity, inheritance, and social support. The specific term for 'cousin' indicates a recognized and important familial category. While modern Western cultures may distinguish less formally between types of cousins, the ancient use of ἀνεψιός shows a precise classification within the broader kinship network.

συγγενής (syngenēs, G4773) — a more general term for a relative or kinsman, which can include a wider circle of family.

Word Details

Scripture References