Lexical Summary gnésios: true , sincerity Original Word: γνήσιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance genuine, true, legitimateFrom the same as genesia; legitimate (of birth), i.e. Genuine -- own, sincerity, true. see GREEK genesia HELPS Word-studies 1103 gnḗsios (from 1085/genos, "offspring, birth") – properly, true to origin (proper beginning); (figuratively) "dear" because authentic (totally legitimate); genuine, demonstrably valid; sincere because traceable as legitimate. [Originally, 1103 (gnḗsios) referred to children born from a legitimate marriage – properly, "lawfully begotten, born in wedlock" (Abbott-Smith). It came to mean real – especially in an affectionate, endearing sense (i.e. "truly," "real," "genuine").] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ginomai Definition lawfully begotten, genuine NASB Translation sincerity (1), true (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1103: γνήσιοςγνήσιος, γνησια, γνήσιον (by syncope for γενησιος from γίνομαι, γένομαι (cf. Curtius, § 128)), legitimately born, not spurious; genuine, true, sincere: Philippians 4:3; 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; τό τῆς ἀγάπης γνήσιον equivalent to τήν γνησιοτητα (A. V. (the sincerity), 2 Corinthians 8:8. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Scope of Meaning The term expresses the idea of authenticity, legitimacy, or being “the real thing.” Whether describing a co-laborer, a spiritual son, or a congregation’s love, it affirms that what is in view is not a mere appearance but the genuine article. Biblical Usage 1. Personal Relationship—Philippians 4:3 presents the only direct address with the word: “Yes, and I ask you, true companion, help these women…”. Paul appeals to someone whose loyalty and proven character make him a trustworthy mediator in a church dispute. 2. Spiritual Parenthood—In both 1 Timothy 1:2 and Titus 1:4 Paul calls each protégé “my true child in the faith”. The word highlights the legitimacy of their spiritual lineage. Timothy and Titus are no casual associates; they embody Paul’s doctrine and lifestyle so faithfully that he can acknowledge them as genuine sons. 3. Tested Affection—2 Corinthians 8:8 uses the noun form to describe love that has been proven authentic: “to prove… the sincerity of your love”. Here the term functions as the gold standard by which generosity toward the Jerusalem believers is to be measured. Historical Setting In the Greco-Roman world a child born “in wedlock” possessed full legal standing, inheritance rights, and social honor. Paul borrows this everyday category of legitimacy and transposes it into the spiritual realm. By calling Timothy and Titus “true children,” he secures their status before wavering congregations and itinerant teachers who might question their authority. Likewise, labeling a colleague a “true companion” reassures a divided church that the person carries apostolic confidence. Theological Significance 1. Authentic Faith Community—The word underscores God’s intention that relationships inside the body of Christ be more than formal or fragile. Shared doctrine and life produce an authenticity that the apostle is willing to certify publicly. 2. Apostolic Succession in Character, not Ceremony—Paul’s wording shows that genuine succession is measured by fidelity to the gospel and proven fruit, not by external trappings. The continuity of sound teaching is safeguarded by men and women whose lives verify their message. 3. Love Validated by Action—In 2 Corinthians 8:8 the authenticity of love is tied to sacrificial giving. Right doctrine and right motives must manifest in observable deeds, lest professions of love remain untested. Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Leaders today are called to be intentional in raising “genuine” sons and daughters—those who will carry forward unadulterated teaching and godly example. Related Biblical Themes Authenticity resonates with such concepts as “unfeigned faith” (2 Timothy 1:5), “sincere love” (1 Peter 1:22), and “integrity of heart” (Psalm 7:8). Together they describe a life that is internally consistent and outwardly credible, reflecting the character of the God who “desires truth in the inmost being” (Psalm 51:6). Summary Strong’s Greek 1103 accents what is certified, legitimate, and worthy of trust. Whether Paul is commending fellow workers, authenticating spiritual offspring, or testing the reality of love, the word reminds every generation that God prizes genuineness—truth in doctrine, affection, and practice. Forms and Transliterations γνησιε γνήσιε γνησιον γνήσιον γνησιω γνησίω γνησίῳ gnesie gnēsie gnḗsie gnesio gnēsiō gnesíoi gnēsíōi gnesion gnēsion gnḗsionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 8:8 Adj-ANSGRK: ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον δοκιμάζων NAS: of others the sincerity of your love KJV: to prove the sincerity of your INT: of your love genuineness proving Philippians 4:3 Adj-VMS 1 Timothy 1:2 Adj-DNS Titus 1:4 Adj-DNS Strong's Greek 1103 |
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