from γενεά and λόγος; to reckon by generations, i.e. trace in genealogy:--count by descent.
Transliteration:genealogéō
Pronunciation:ghen-eh-al-og-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb γενεαλογέω (genealogéō), Strong's number `{{G1075}}`, is a compound word derived from γενεά (genea), meaning "generation," "race," or "family," and λόγος (logos), meaning "word," "reason," or "account." Together, these roots convey the core meaning of "to reckon by generations," "to trace a lineage," or "to count by descent." It specifically refers to the act of establishing or recording one's ancestry or family line. The semantic range is quite focused on the meticulous process of genealogical tracing, a practice of significant cultural and religious importance in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb γενεαλογέω (genealogéō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **[[Hebrews 7:6]]**: "But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises."
In this verse, the author of Hebrews is developing a complex argument concerning the superiority of the priesthood of Melchizedek over the Levitical priesthood. The phrase "whose descent is not counted from them" (ὁ μὴ γενεαλογούμενος ἐξ αὐτῶν) uses γενεαλογέω in the passive voice, indicating that Melchizedek's lineage is not traced or reckoned according to the customary human genealogical records. This is a deliberate and crucial point: unlike the Aaronic priests, whose legitimacy depended entirely on their specific descent from Levi, Melchizedek's priesthood is presented as existing outside of typical human genealogical constraints. This absence of recorded lineage for Melchizedek is interpreted typologically by the author as prefiguring Christ's eternal priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek" and not dependent on human succession or earthly lineage. The verb here highlights the *lack* of genealogical accounting, which paradoxically underscores Melchizedek's unique, divinely ordained status.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related terms illuminate the meaning and usage of γενεαλογέω:
* **γενεά (genea) `{{G1074}}`**: This noun is the primary root for "generation," "family," or "lineage." It is foundational to understanding the concept of tracing one's ancestry. In the New Testament, it can refer to a specific group of people, a period of time, or a family line.
* **γενεαλογία (genealogia) `{{G1076}}`**: This noun, meaning "genealogy" or "a record of descent," is directly related. It appears in the Pastoral Epistles, where Paul warns against "endless genealogies" (ἀτελεύτους γενεαλογίας) in [[1 Timothy 1:4]] and [[Titus 3:9]]. These warnings likely refer to speculative or divisive discussions about ancestry that distract from the core truths of the Gospel.
* **λόγος (logos) `{{G3056}}`**: The other component of γενεαλογέω, meaning "word," "account," or "reckoning." It contributes to the idea of a systematic or reasoned tracing of lineage.
The concept of genealogy itself is profoundly important throughout biblical literature. Old Testament genealogies (e.g., in Genesis, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah) served crucial functions, establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, priestly legitimacy, and, most significantly, the lineage through which the Messiah would come. New Testament genealogies (e.g., [[Matthew 1:1-17]], [[Luke 3:23-38]]) confirm Jesus's messianic credentials by tracing His descent to David and Abraham. However, the use of γενεαλογέω in [[Hebrews 7:6]] and the warnings against "endless genealogies" in the Pastorals demonstrate that while lineage could be vital, an obsessive or misdirected focus on it could also be spiritually detrimental.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of γενεαλογέω in [[Hebrews 7:6]] carries profound theological weight. By stating that Melchizedek's descent is "not counted," the author is not implying that Melchizedek had no parents or ancestors in a literal sense. Rather, it signifies that his lineage is not recorded in the biblical narrative, and thus, his priesthood is not dependent on a human, hereditary succession as was the Aaronic priesthood (which was strictly reckoned by descent from Aaron).
This deliberate omission of Melchizedek's genealogy highlights several key theological points:
1. **Superiority of Christ's Priesthood**: The lack of a traceable genealogy for Melchizedek makes him a fitting type for Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and not subject to the limitations of human birth, death, or genealogical succession. Christ's priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek" ([[Hebrews 7:17]]), established by divine oath, not by human lineage.
2. **Transcendence of the New Covenant**: The emphasis on Melchizedek's ungenealogized status underscores the new covenant's transcendence over the old. The old covenant's priesthood was tied to specific human families and their genealogies, prone to succession and mortality. The new covenant, mediated by Christ, introduces a priesthood that is permanent and perfect, not contingent on earthly records or lineage.
3. **Divine Appointment vs. Human Descent**: The verb γενεαλογέω in this context implicitly contrasts a priesthood established by divine appointment (Melchizedek/Christ) with one established by human descent (Aaronic). This distinction is crucial for understanding the foundational shift from the Old Covenant to the New.
### Summary
The Greek verb γενεαλογέω (genealogéō) `{{G1075}}` precisely means "to reckon by generations" or "to trace a genealogy." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Hebrews 7:6]] is highly significant, describing Melchizedek as one "whose descent is not counted." This unique usage underscores the non-hereditary, non-genealogical nature of Melchizedek's priesthood, which serves as a prefigurement of Christ's eternal and superior priesthood. The absence of a recorded genealogy for Melchizedek is not an oversight but a theological statement, emphasizing a priesthood established by divine oath rather than human lineage, thereby highlighting the transcendent nature of the New Covenant and Christ's enduring role as High Priest.
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