### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term γονεύς (goneús, `{{G1118}}`) denotes a "parent," encompassing both father and mother. It is derived from the base of the verb γίνομαι (ginomai, `{{G1096}}`), which means "to become," "to be born," or "to come into being." This etymological root profoundly shapes its meaning, emphasizing the generative aspect of parenthood – one who brings another into existence or is responsible for their birth. While the term itself is gender-neutral, its usage in the New Testament nearly always refers to biological parents, underscoring the natural, procreative relationship. It stands in contrast to broader terms for ancestors or elders, focusing specifically on the immediate progenitors.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term γονεύς appears a relatively limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are significant, consistently referring to biological parents and their relationship with their offspring.
In the Synoptic Gospels, γονεύς is used to describe Joseph and Mary as the earthly "parents" of Jesus, highlighting His full humanity and His upbringing within a conventional family structure (e.g., [[Luke 2:27]], [[Luke 2:41]], [[Luke 2:43]], [[Luke 2:48]]). These passages underscore their parental care and Jesus' filial obedience. The term also appears in Jesus' teachings, such as the call for discipleship that might necessitate leaving even "parents" for the sake of the kingdom of God (e.g., [[Luke 18:29]]), emphasizing the supreme allegiance owed to God.
In the Gospel of John, γονεύς is notably used in the narrative of the man born blind. The "parents" of the man are questioned by the Pharisees, and their testimony confirms his congenital blindness (e.g., [[John 9:2]], [[John 9:3]], [[John 9:18]], [[John 9:20]], [[John 9:22]], [[John 9:23]]). Their fear of excommunication from the synagogue reveals the social pressures and dangers associated with acknowledging Jesus' miraculous power. Here, the term reinforces the undeniable physical reality of the miracle and the familial context within which it occurred.
Pauline epistles frequently employ γονεύς in ethical injunctions regarding family life. In [[Ephesians 6:1]] and [[Colossians 3:20]], children are commanded to "obey their parents" (τοῖς γονεῦσιν) in the Lord, echoing the Fifth Commandment from the Decalogue (e.g., [[Exodus 20:12]]). This highlights the divinely ordained authority of parents and the corresponding duty of children to show respect and obedience. Furthermore, in [[2 Timothy 3:2]], "disobedient to parents" (ἀπειθεῖς γονεῦσιν) is listed as a characteristic of the moral decay prevalent in the last days, signifying a breakdown of fundamental social order and respect for authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of γονεύς is intrinsically linked to its etymological root, γίνομαι (ginomai, `{{G1096}}`), which speaks of the act of coming into being. This connection is also evident in related terms like τέκνον (teknon, `{{G5043}}`), meaning "child" or "offspring," which shares the same root and emphasizes the result of procreation.
Other closely related terms that specify the gender of the parent include πατήρ (patēr, `{{G3962}}`), "father," and μήτηρ (mēter, `{{G3384}}`), "mother." While γονεύς can refer to either, these terms are more specific. The concepts of υἱός (huios, `{{G5207}}`, "son") and θυγάτηρ (thugatēr, `{{G2364}}`, "daughter") are also directly related, completing the immediate family unit.
The theological and ethical concepts associated with γονεύς extend to the broader themes of family, lineage, authority, and obedience. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew terms אָב (av, `{{H1}}`, "father") and אֵם (em, `{{H517}}`, "mother") frequently appear, often together, to denote parents, particularly in the context of the commandment to honor them (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 5:16]]). The New Testament's use of γονεύς continues this foundational emphasis on the familial bond and its inherent responsibilities.
### Theological Significance
The concept of γονεύς, or "parent," carries profound theological significance, rooted in God's design for humanity and society. Firstly, parenthood is presented as a fundamental aspect of God's created order. The ability to procreate and raise offspring is a divine gift and responsibility, reflecting, in a limited human sense, God's own generative and sustaining nature. The family unit, with parents at its head, is the foundational building block of human society, ordained by God.
Secondly, the New Testament's consistent command for children to obey and honor their parents (e.g., [[Ephesians 6:1]], [[Colossians 3:20]]) underscores the divinely instituted authority within the family. This is not merely a social convention but a moral imperative, reflecting a proper order of submission and respect that ultimately points to submission to God Himself. Disobedience to parents, as noted in [[2 Timothy 3:2]], is therefore not just a social ill but a symptom of profound spiritual and moral decay, indicating a rebellion against established authority and divine order.
Thirdly, the example of Jesus' own obedience to His earthly parents (e.g., [[Luke 2:51]]) provides a powerful model for all believers. Even as the Son of God, He honored and submitted to Joseph and Mary, demonstrating the importance of this relationship within the human sphere. While γονεύς primarily refers to physical parents, the concept of spiritual "parentage" also emerges in the New Testament, where apostles like Paul refer to themselves as "fathers" in the faith to those they have discipled (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 4:15]]), highlighting a generative spiritual relationship.
### Summary
The Greek term γονεύς (goneús, `{{G1118}}`) precisely denotes a "parent," deriving its meaning from the act of "being born" or "coming into being." Its usage in the New Testament consistently refers to biological fathers and mothers, highlighting the foundational nature of this relationship within God's created order. Biblical occurrences emphasize the natural authority of parents and the corresponding filial duty of obedience and honor, as seen in the examples of Jesus' own life and the ethical injunctions found in the Pauline epistles. The breakdown of respect for parents is even cited as a sign of societal decay in the last days. The theological significance of γονεύς thus extends to the divine institution of the family, the principle of authority and submission, and the sacred responsibility entrusted to those who bring forth and nurture new life.
TRV