Lexical Summary genealogeó: To trace ancestry, to record genealogy Original Word: γενεαλογέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance trace descent or ancestryFrom genea and logos; to reckon by generations, i.e. Trace in genealogy -- count by descent. see GREEK genea see GREEK logos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ginomai and legó (in the sense of reckon) Definition to trace ancestry NASB Translation genealogy is...traced (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1075: γενεαλογέωγενεαλογέω, γενεαλόγω: (present passive γενεαλογοῦμαι); to act the genealogist (γενεά and λέγω), to recount a family's origin and lineage, trace ancestry (often in Herodotus; Xenophon, Plato, Theophrastus, Lucian, Aelian, others; (the Sept. 1 Chronicles 5:2)); passive to draw one's origin, derive one's pedigree: ἐκ τίνος, Hebrews 7:6. Topical Lexicon Overview of the Verb’s UsageStrong’s Greek 1075 appears once in the New Testament (Hebrews 7:6), describing someone “not tracing his descent.” The context centers on the priesthood of Melchizedek, contrasting it with the Levitical line so meticulously recorded in Israel’s genealogies. The single use highlights both the importance of genealogical records in Scripture and the remarkable exception represented by Melchizedek. Old Testament Background of Genealogies From Genesis onward, genealogies serve as inspired testimony to God’s covenant promises and the preservation of the chosen line (Genesis 5; Genesis 10; Genesis 11). Chronicles devotes its opening nine chapters to lineage, underscoring priestly and tribal legitimacy (1 Chronicles 1–9). After the exile, Ezra enforced genealogical verification for temple service (Ezra 2:59–62). These records safeguarded land inheritance, priestly succession, and messianic expectation. Hebrews 7:6 and the Melchizedek Contrast Hebrews depicts Melchizedek as “without father or mother or genealogy” (Hebrews 7:3), then uses 1075 to emphasize that “Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises” (Hebrews 7:6). The author argues that priestly authority grounded solely in ancestry cannot rival one grounded in divine appointment. Melchizedek’s lack of recorded lineage foreshadows an eternal priesthood fulfilled in Jesus Christ—appointed “after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6; Psalm 110:4). Christological Implications 1. Supremacy of Christ’s Priesthood Genealogical credentials validated Levitical priests, yet Christ’s priesthood rests on resurrection life (Hebrews 7:16) and divine oath (Hebrews 7:21). By citing a verb that highlights the absence of genealogy, Hebrews shifts attention from human lineage to heavenly commission. 2. Fulfillment of Promise Abraham willingly tithed to a priest outside his line, indicating a superior order that anticipated the gospel going beyond ethnic Israel (Galatians 3:8). Christ, like Melchizedek, ministers a universal priesthood, welcoming both Jew and Gentile. Theological and Ministry Significance • Assurance of Salvation Because Christ’s priesthood is not contingent on genealogical succession, it cannot be interrupted by death or disqualification. “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). • Unity of Scripture The seamless link between Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and Hebrews 7 illustrates the coherence of divine revelation. A single Old Testament narrative about a king-priest becomes foundational for understanding Jesus’ eternal ministry. • Discipleship and Identity Believers receive identity in Christ, not in human pedigree. Paul declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Ministry emphasis moves from ancestral privilege to spiritual rebirth. Contemporary Application 1. Leadership Qualification While background and training matter, ultimate fitness for service rests on God’s calling and character. Churches should prioritize spiritual maturity over merely human credentials. 2. Evangelistic Reach The gospel’s power transcends cultural or genealogical barriers. Congregations can faithfully engage diverse communities knowing Christ’s priesthood encompasses all nations. 3. Biblical Literacy Studying genealogies may seem tedious, yet Hebrews 7:6 shows their doctrinal utility. Pastors and teachers can leverage such passages to demonstrate God’s unfolding plan and inspire confidence in Scripture’s detail. Conclusion The solitary occurrence of Strong’s 1075 captures a pivotal theological principle: true priesthood and spiritual authority derive from God’s sovereign appointment, not from recorded ancestry. By spotlighting Melchizedek’s untraceable lineage, Hebrews elevates Jesus Christ as eternal High Priest, securing salvation for all who believe. Forms and Transliterations γενεαλογηθέντων γενεαλογήσαι γενεαλογουμενος γενεαλογούμενος γενεαλογούντες εγενεαλογήθη εγενεαλογήθησαν genealogoumenos genealogoúmenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 7:6 V-PPM/P-NMSGRK: δὲ μὴ γενεαλογούμενος ἐξ αὐτῶν NAS: But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth KJV: not counted from INT: however not reckons genealogy from them |
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