### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **patrís**, represented by `{{G3968}}`, refers to a **father-land** or native town. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. While it literally denotes one's place of origin, its scriptural use expands to encompass the concept of a heavenly home that is sought by faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3968}}` is primarily used in the context of Jesus's ministry and the reception he received. When Jesus came into his own **country** and taught in the synagogue, those who knew him were astonished but ultimately took offense ([[Matthew 13:54]], [[Matthew 13:57]]). This experience gives rise to the well-known principle, stated in multiple gospels, that "a prophet is not without honour, but in his own **country**" ([[Mark 6:4]], [[John 4:44]]). The word also appears in a pivotal figurative sense, where believers are described as those who "seek a **country**," signifying their longing for a heavenly home rather than an earthly one [[Hebrews 11:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G3968}}`:
* `{{G4396}}` **prophḗtēs** (prophet): This word is consistently linked with `patrís` to establish a principle of rejection. Jesus explains that a **prophet** is not accepted in his own country, highlighting the difficulty of being received by those most familiar [[Luke 4:24]].
* `{{G820}}` **átimos** (without honour): This adjective describes the status of a prophet in his homeland. A prophet is not **without honour** `{{G820}}` except in his own country and his own house [[Matthew 13:57]].
* `{{G4773}}` **syngenḗs** (kin): This term broadens the circle of rejection beyond a mere geographical area to include family and relatives. In Mark, Jesus states a prophet is without honor in his own country and among his own **kin** [[Mark 6:4]].
* `{{G1934}}` **epizētéō** (to seek for): This verb is used in Hebrews to transform the idea of a homeland from a place of origin to a destination of faith. Those who speak of a future hope declare plainly that they **seek** a country [[Hebrews 11:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3968}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Familiarity and Rejection:** The word is used by Jesus to teach a sober truth about human nature: that familiarity can lead to contempt. A prophet's message is often rejected in his own **country** precisely because the people see him as ordinary [[Mark 6:4]].
* **Christ's Earthly Experience:** Jesus himself embodies this principle. In his hometown, the people challenge him, referencing the mighty works heard about in Capernaum and demanding he perform them in his own **country** [[Luke 4:23]].
* **The Believer's Heavenly Hope:** The concept is elevated from an earthly town to a spiritual destination. For believers, their true **country** is not the place of their birth but the heavenly home they seek by faith, following the example of the patriarchs [[Hebrews 11:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3968}}` is far more than a geographical descriptor. It encapsulates a profound spiritual dynamic, representing the tension between earthly origin and heavenly destiny. It illustrates the rejection that Christ and his followers may face from those closest to them, while simultaneously pointing toward the ultimate hope of a heavenly **country** where they will be fully known and accepted.
TRV