### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **patriárchēs**, represented by `{{G3966}}`, is defined as a progenitor or **patriarch**. It is formed from πατριά and ἄρχω. This specific term appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, highlighting its use in identifying foundational figures in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G3966}}` is used to identify key progenitors of the Israelite nation. In the book of Acts, it refers to the **twelve** sons of Jacob, who are explicitly named as the **patriarchs** following the lineage of Abraham and Isaac [[Acts 7:8]]. These **patriarchs** are described as being "moved with envy" when they sold Joseph into Egypt [[Acts 7:9]]. The title is also applied to two of Israel's most significant figures: Abraham, who is called "the **patriarch**" to whom a tenth of the spoils was given [[Hebrews 7:4]], and David, who is identified as "the **patriarch** David" in a speech acknowledging his death and burial [[Acts 2:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the role and lineage of a **patriarch**:
* `{{G11}}` **Abraám** (Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch): This name identifies the primary example of a **patriarch**, a foundational figure who is described as giving a **tenth** `{{G1181}}` of the **spoils** `{{G205}}` [[Hebrews 7:4]].
* `{{G1138}}` **Dabíd** (Dabid (i.e. David), the Israelite king): The title of **patriarch** is also given to David, identifying him as a key progenitor in Israel's history whose **sepulchre** `{{G3418}}` was still present [[Acts 2:29]].
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to procreate... beget, be born): This verb establishes the physical lineage of the patriarchs, as seen when Jacob **begat** the twelve patriarchs [[Acts 7:8]], continuing the line from Abraham.
### Theological Significance
The term `{{G3966}}` carries significant theological weight by identifying key figures in salvation history.
* **Headship and Honor:** The title is bestowed upon figures of immense honor, such as **Abraham**, whose greatness is demonstrated by his receiving a **tenth** `{{G1181}}` of the **spoils** `{{G205}}` [[Hebrews 7:4]]. This establishes the concept of a foundational leader.
* **Covenantal Progenitors:** The role of the **patriarch** is intrinsically linked to lineage and covenant. The line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob culminates in the **twelve patriarchs**, established through the **covenant** `{{G1242}}` of **circumcision** `{{G4061}}` [[Acts 7:8]].
* **Humanity and History:** The scriptures use the term to ground these figures in history, acknowledging both their human failings, as when the **patriarchs** sold Joseph out of **envy** `{{G2206}}` [[Acts 7:9]], and their mortality, as with the **patriarch David**, who was **dead** `{{G5053}}` and **buried** `{{G2290}}` [[Acts 2:29]].
### Summary
In summary, **patriárchēs** `{{G3966}}` is a specific title used to designate the progenitors of Israel. While appearing only four times, it is applied to the nation's most foundational figures: **Abraham**, **David**, and the twelve sons of Jacob. The term underscores their role as historical and covenantal heads of the people, establishing a lineage that is central to the biblical narrative.
TRV