### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **patrikós**, represented by `{{G3967}}`, means **paternal** or **ancestral**. It is derived from the Greek word for father, πατήρ. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text, highlighting a very specific concept of heritage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G3967}}` occurs in [[Galatians 1:14]], where the Apostle Paul describes his former life. He states that he "profited in the Jews' religion" and was "more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my **fathers**." Here, `{{G3967}}` qualifies the "traditions" he followed, emphasizing that their origin was ancestral and handed down through his lineage, rather than being of immediate divine origin. This establishes the foundation of his identity before his conversion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify the meaning of `{{G3967}}`:
* `{{G3862}}` **parádosis** (tradition): This refers to a precept or law that is transmitted or delivered. In Paul's case, these were the Jewish traditionary laws [[Galatians 1:14]]. The term can also refer to the "tradition of men" [[Colossians 2:8]] or apostolic teachings passed down to the churches [[2 Thessalonians 2:15]].
* `{{G2207}}` **zēlōtḗs** (zealous): This describes the intensity of Paul's commitment to his paternal traditions. It signifies a fervent, and sometimes extreme, devotion, as Paul was "more exceedingly zealous" than his peers [[Galatians 1:14]].
* `{{G2454}}` **Ioudaïsmós** (Judaism): This is the religious and cultural system—the "Jews' religion"—in which Paul practiced his zeal for these ancestral traditions [[Galatians 1:14]]. He mentions his former life "in the Jews' religion" just one verse prior [[Galatians 1:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3967}}` is found in its singular, powerful use in Paul's testimony. It serves to draw a sharp contrast between a life based on human heritage and one based on divine revelation.
* **Ancestral Heritage:** The word points to an identity rooted in what is inherited from one's **fathers**. Paul's former standing was built on his rigorous adherence to these handed-down customs [[Galatians 1:14]].
* **Misdirected Zeal:** The connection of **paternal** traditions to Paul being "more exceedingly zealous" [[Galatians 1:14]] demonstrates that immense religious passion can be directed toward human-derived customs, which for Paul, led to persecuting the church of God [[Galatians 1:13]].
* **Contrast with Gospel:** By defining his former traditions as **paternal**, Paul implicitly contrasts them with the gospel he now preaches, which he received not from man but by a direct revelation of Jesus Christ.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3967}}` **patrikós** is a precise term that, while used only once, is critical to understanding the transformation of the Apostle Paul. It defines the source of his former religious life as being rooted in **ancestral** tradition. Its use in [[Galatians 1:14]] illuminates the profound difference between a zeal for human heritage and a life submitted to the divine calling of God in Christ.
TRV