### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀγενής (agenḗs), transliterated as agenḗs, is a compound word derived from the privative particle α- (alpha, indicating negation or absence) and the noun γένος (génos), meaning "race," "kind," "family," or "birth." Thus, its most literal and etymological sense is "without kin," "not born," or "of no noble birth/descent."
From this literal foundation, the semantic range of agenḗs extends to describe that which is "ignoble," "lowly," "mean," "base," "unesteemed," or "of no account" in terms of social standing, origin, or reputation. It denotes a lack of distinction, prominence, or inherent worth according to human, particularly societal, standards. It stands in direct contrast to words like εὐγενής (eugenḗs, `{{G2144}}`), which signifies "well-born" or "noble." The term encapsulates a state of being considered insignificant or contemptible by the world's criteria.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word agenḗs appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Corinthians 1:28]]. Its singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant within the apostle Paul's argument concerning divine wisdom and human folly.
In [[1 Corinthians 1:28]], Paul writes: "and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are." Here, ἀγενῆ (agenē, the neuter plural form of agenḗs) is directly paralleled with ἐξουθενημένα (exouthenēmena, `{{G1848}}`), meaning "despised things," and τὰ μὴ ὄντα (ta mē onta), "the things that are not." This tripartite description highlights God's counter-intuitive method of election.
The context of [[1 Corinthians 1]] is Paul's critique of human wisdom and boasting. He asserts that God chose the "foolish things" (μωρὰ, mōra, `{{G3474}}`) to shame the wise, and the "weak things" (ἀσθενῆ, asthenē, `{{G772}}`) to shame the strong ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]). Following this, agenḗs and exouthenēmena refer to those individuals or groups within the Corinthian church, and indeed within the broader scope of God's redemptive plan, who lack worldly prestige, social standing, or inherent power. They are the "nobodies," the "unimpressive," the "unimportant" from a human perspective. God's choice of such "base things" serves a specific theological purpose: "so that He may nullify the things that are," meaning to bring to nothing the perceived wisdom, strength, and status of the world, and consequently, to prevent human boasting ([[1 Corinthians 1:29]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of agenḗs is enriched by considering its lexical and conceptual connections:
* **γένος (génos, `{{G1085}}`):** The root from which agenḗs is formed, signifying "race, kind, family, offspring." Understanding this root emphasizes the aspect of birth, lineage, and social standing that agenḗs negates.
* **εὐγενής (eugenḗs, `{{G2144}}`):** The direct antonym, meaning "well-born," "noble," or "of good lineage." The contrast between agenḗs and eugenḗs underscores the divine reversal of human values.
* **ταπεινός (tapeinós, `{{G5011}}`):** Meaning "low," "humble," or "lowly." This term shares a semantic field with agenḗs in describing those who are not elevated in worldly terms, often used in a positive sense when referring to humility.
* **ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō, `{{G1848}}`):** "To despise," "to treat with contempt," "to set at naught." This verb is crucial as it describes the attitude of the world towards the agenḗs and tapeinós, and it is directly linked with agenḗs in [[1 Corinthians 1:28]].
* **μωρός (mōrós, `{{G3474}}`):** "Foolish." Used in [[1 Corinthians 1:27]] to describe those God chooses, further emphasizing the world's misjudgment.
* **ἀσθενής (asthenḗs, `{{G772}}`):** "Weak." Also used in [[1 Corinthians 1:27]], reinforcing the theme of God choosing the opposite of what the world values.
The concept of divine election, particularly the election of the "unimpressive" or "unworthy" from a human standpoint, is central to understanding agenḗs. It relates to God's sovereignty, the nature of the Kingdom of God, and the radical reversal of worldly values seen in the cross of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of agenḗs is profound, especially as it is employed in [[1 Corinthians 1:28]]. It reveals a foundational principle of God's redemptive work and His kingdom:
1. **Divine Reversal of Human Values:** God deliberately chooses that which is considered agenḗs (base, ignoble) and exouthenēmena (despised) by the world to demonstrate His power and wisdom. This choice directly challenges and subverts human criteria for importance, status, and effectiveness. It underscores that God's ways are not humanity's ways ([[Isaiah 55:8-9]]).
2. **Prevention of Boasting:** The ultimate purpose of God's choice of the agenḗs is "so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" ([[1 Corinthians 1:29]]). If God were to choose the noble, the wise, or the powerful, humanity could claim credit or derive pride from their own perceived worth. By choosing the agenḗs, God ensures that all glory redounds solely to Him.
3. **The Nature of the Gospel and the Church:** The gospel message itself, centered on a crucified Messiah, was considered mōria (folly, `{{G3472}}`) to Greeks and a skandalon (stumbling block, `{{G4625}}`) to Jews ([[1 Corinthians 1:23]]). In a similar vein, the early church, particularly in Corinth, was comprised largely of those who were not "many wise according to worldly standards, not many powerful, not many of noble birth" ([[1 Corinthians 1:26]]). This composition reflects God's deliberate choice of the agenḗs to build His church, emphasizing that its strength and value come from Him alone, not from worldly credentials.
4. **Exaltation of Grace:** The choice of the agenḗs highlights the absolute sovereignty of God's grace. Salvation is not based on human merit, lineage, or social standing, but purely on God's unmerited favor. Those who are agenḗs in the world's eyes are precisely those through whom God chooses to manifest His glory, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]).
### Summary
The Greek word ἀγενής (agenḗs) signifies that which is "without kin," "ignoble," "base," or "of no account" in human estimation. Its singular yet pivotal appearance in [[1 Corinthians 1:28]] reveals a profound theological truth about God's counter-intuitive method of election and salvation. By choosing the agenḗs and exouthenēmena (despised things) of the world, God deliberately subverts human wisdom, power, and pride, ensuring that all boasting is excluded and all glory is attributed solely to Him. This word powerfully encapsulates the divine reversal of worldly values, underscoring that the strength and wisdom of God are most clearly manifested not through human excellence, but through His sovereign choice of the seemingly insignificant.
TRV