### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **goneús**, represented by `{{G1118}}`, is a specific term for a **parent**. It appears 19 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the base of γίνομαι, it directly refers to a father or mother, establishing a key familial role.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G1118}}` is used to define family responsibilities and relationships. The primary command for children is to **obey** `{{G5219}}` their **parents** [[Ephesians 6:1]], an act described as **well pleasing** `{{G2101}}` to the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` [[Colossians 3:20]]. The word also appears in contexts of persecution, where believers might be betrayed by their **parents** [[Luke 21:16]]. The narrative of Jesus's childhood identifies his **parents** as devout observers of the **law** `{{G3551}}`, bringing the **child** `{{G3813}}` Jesus to the **temple** `{{G2411}}` according to custom [[Luke 2:27]] and traveling to **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}` for the **feast** `{{G1859}}` of the **passover** `{{G3957}}` [[Luke 2:41]]. The term is also central to the story of the man born **blind** `{{G5185}}`, whose **parents** feared the **Jews** `{{G2453}}` and being **put out of the synagogue** `{{G656}}` ([[John 9:18]], [[John 9:22]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of the family unit and parental roles:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (a "father"): This is the specific term for a male **parent**. It is used in passages describing familial betrayal, where a **father** `{{G3962}}` betrays a **child** `{{G5043}}` and children rise against **parents** `{{G1118}}` [[Matthew 10:21]].
* `{{G1135}}` **gynḗ** (a woman; specially, a wife): As the term for a woman or **wife**, it can represent the female **parent**. It is listed alongside **parents** `{{G1118}}` and **children** `{{G5043}}` as a core family relationship one might **leave** `{{G863}}` for God's kingdom [[Luke 18:29]].
* `{{G5043}}` **téknon** (a child (as produced)): This is the direct counterpart to **parent**. It is consistently used to define the subjects of commands involving **parents**, such as the instruction for **children** `{{G5043}}` to **obey** `{{G5219}}` their **parents** `{{G1118}}` [[Colossians 3:20]].
* `{{G545}}` **apeithḗs** (unpersuadable, i.e. contumacious): This word for **disobedient** is explicitly linked with **parents** `{{G1118}}` in lists of sins that characterize a fallen world, appearing alongside terms like **boasters** `{{G213}}`, **proud** `{{G5244}}`, and **unthankful** `{{G884}}` ([[Romans 1:30]], [[2 Timothy 3:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1118}}` is significant in several areas:
* **A Model of Divine Order:** The relationship between children and **parents** `{{G1118}}` is a foundational part of a godly life. Obedience to **parents** is commanded as **well pleasing** `{{G2101}}` to the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` [[Colossians 3:20]], and disobedience is listed among grave sins like being **unholy** `{{G462}}` [[2 Timothy 3:2]].
* **The Supremacy of Christ's Kingdom:** While honoring **parents** is a command, allegiance to Christ is higher. Believers may be required to **leave** `{{G863}}` their **parents** for the sake of God's kingdom [[Luke 18:29]] and may even be betrayed by them during times of tribulation [[Luke 21:16]].
* **Parental Provision as a Metaphor:** The principle that **parents** `{{G1118}}` ought to **lay up** `{{G2343}}` for their **children** `{{G5043}}`, and not the reverse, reflects a divine pattern of provision and selfless care within the family structure [[2 Corinthians 12:14]].
* **Divine Purpose Over Human Culpability:** The question of whether a man was born blind due to his own sin or that of his **parents** `{{G1118}}` is answered by Jesus to reveal a higher purpose: that the works of **God** `{{G2316}}` might be displayed [[John 9:3]]. This shows that suffering is not always a direct result of personal or parental sin.
### Summary
In summary, **goneús** `{{G1118}}` provides the specific biblical term for a **parent**, defining a fundamental human relationship. Its use in Scripture establishes a framework for family order, emphasizing the duty of children to **obey** [[Ephesians 6:1]] and the responsibility of **parents** to provide [[2 Corinthians 12:14]]. The term is also used to explore profound theological concepts, including the supreme call of discipleship over family ties and God's sovereign purpose in human suffering [[John 9:3]]. Ultimately, `{{G1118}}` anchors the parent-child relationship within a larger divine context of authority, responsibility, and redemptive purpose.
TRV