γενεά

a generation

Definition

The Greek word γενεά (genea) primarily means 'a generation,' referring to a group of people living at the same time, often spanning about 30-40 years. It can denote a specific contemporary group, as in Jesus addressing 'this generation' (Matthew 11:16, 12:39). The word also carries a temporal sense, indicating a defined period or age, such as in genealogies (Matthew 1:17). When doubled or combined with other time words (e.g., 'unto this generation, and to the next'), it can imply a very long, indefinite, or even infinite duration, emphasizing permanence or judgment across ages.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γενεά is used 37 times, predominantly in the Gospels, especially Matthew and Luke. It often appears in Jesus' teachings to critique the spiritual state of his contemporaries, labeling them as 'an evil and adulterous generation' (Matthew 12:39, 16:4). The word also structures historical narrative, as in the three sets of fourteen generations in Matthew 1:17. In Acts 13:36, it refers to David serving his own 'generation,' highlighting a temporal lifespan. The usage patterns show a blend of literal chronology and metaphorical rebuke.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb γίνομαι (ginomai, G1096), meaning 'to become' or 'to be born,' γενεά relates to birth, origin, and succession. It shares a root with words like γένος (genos, G1085), meaning 'family' or 'race,' emphasizing lineage. The term evolved in Greek to denote both a group of people descended from a common ancestor and the time period they inhabit, reflecting its dual focus on kinship and chronology.

Semantic Range

Γενεά is theologically significant as it underscores themes of human continuity, divine judgment, and eschatology. Jesus' repeated condemnation of 'this generation' highlights humanity's persistent rebellion and need for repentance (e.g., Matthew 12:41-42). Understanding the Greek enriches Bible reading by clarifying when the term points to a specific historical group versus a broader, symbolic age, deepening insights into passages about accountability, the arrival of the Messiah, and the unfolding of God's plan across time.

In its original setting, a 'generation' was not just a biological cohort but often carried moral connotations, referring to a group sharing common characteristics or fate. The Jewish cultural context, with its emphasis on lineage and covenantal history, shaped how biblical authors used γενεά to connect past, present, and future. This differs from some modern understandings that may view a generation merely as a demographic or chronological marker without the ethical weight found in Scripture.

γένος (genos, G1085) — emphasizes family, kind, or nation rather than a time period; αἰών (aiōn, G165) — focuses on an age or eternity, often a longer, more abstract timeframe; καιρός (kairos, G2540) — denotes a specific, appointed time or season, not a group of people.

Word Details

Scripture References