### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apátōr**, represented by `{{G540}}`, means **fatherless** or of unrecorded paternity. Derived from Α (as a negative particle) and πατήρ (father), its definition specifies a lack of a recorded father. This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, indicating a highly specific and targeted application within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G540}}` is found in [[Hebrews 7:3]], describing a figure who is "**without father**." This description is part of a larger list of unique attributes: this individual is also "without mother" `{{G282}}` and "without descent" `{{G35}}`, having neither a beginning of days nor an end of life. This characterization serves to establish a comparison, as the figure is "made like unto the Son of God" [[Hebrews 7:3]] and remains a priest continually.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context clarify the meaning of `{{G540}}`:
* `{{G282}}` **amḗtōr** (motherless): As the direct counterpart, this term means "of unknown maternity." Used alongside **apátōr**, it emphasizes a complete lack of recorded parentage [[Hebrews 7:3]].
* `{{G35}}` **agenealógētos** (without descent): Meaning "unregistered as to birth," this word further specifies that the lack of a father is about the absence of a recorded genealogy [[Hebrews 7:3]].
* `{{G2409}}` **hiereús** (priest): This term is central to the passage's purpose. The state of being "without father" is a qualification for a unique type of **priest** who "abideth... continually" [[Hebrews 7:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G540}}` is concentrated in its single use, where it serves a profound typological purpose.
* **A Non-Genealogical Priesthood:** By describing a priest as "without father," the author of Hebrews establishes a priesthood that does not depend on earthly lineage, standing in contrast to a priesthood based on heredity.
* **A Type of Christ:** The description of being fatherless, motherless, and without descent is immediately followed by the explanation that this figure is "**made like** `{{G871}}` unto the Son of God" [[Hebrews 7:3]]. The unrecorded paternity points toward the eternal and unique nature of the Son's priesthood.
* **An Eternal Status:** The concept of being "fatherless" is expanded to timelessness, as the figure has "neither beginning of days, nor end of life" [[Hebrews 7:3]]. This communicates an unending nature, appropriate for one who "abideth a priest continually."
### Summary
In summary, `{{G540}}` is not a general term but a precise theological descriptor used once in Scripture. Its meaning, "of unrecorded paternity," is employed in [[Hebrews 7:3]] to describe a priest whose qualifications are not based on earthly genealogy. This intentional lack of a recorded father serves as a powerful illustration of the eternal, non-hereditary nature of the priesthood of the Son of God, to whom this figure is explicitly compared.
TRV