Lexical Summary ekgonos: Descendant, offspring Original Word: ἔκγονος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nephew. Neuter of a derivative of a compound of ek and ginomai; a descendant, i.e. (specially) grandchild -- nephew. see GREEK ek see GREEK ginomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originder. of ek and the same as ginomai Definition born of, a descendant, i.e. a grandchild NASB Translation grandchildren (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1549: ἔκγονοςἔκγονος, ἔκγονον (ἐκγίνομαι), sprung from one, born, begotten (Homer and following); commonly as a substantive, ὁ, ἡ ἔκγονος, οἱ ἐκγονοι, a son, daughter, offspring, children, descendants; in the Sept. common in neuter plural ἔκγονα and τά ἔκγονα, for פְּרִי, Deuteronomy 7:13 (Alex.); Topical Lexicon Definition and ScopeThe term refers to the direct descendants of a person beyond the first generation—grandchildren or later progeny. In Scripture it functions as a relational noun, emphasizing genetic and covenantal continuity within a household. Biblical Context and Usage The single New Testament appearance is 1 Timothy 5:4, where Paul instructs, “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice godliness toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God”. Here, “grandchildren” are mentioned to reinforce familial duty: those who share a bloodline with the widow must assume primary responsibility for her care before the church steps in. Paul’s admonition echoes a broad canonical pattern. The Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12) and passages such as Proverbs 17:6 (“Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their fathers,”) undergird this obligation. Although 1 Timothy 5:4 provides the term’s only Greek attestation, its concept permeates Scripture, linking generations in covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 103:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:5). Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Mediterranean society, the extended household (οἶκος) was a basic social unit. Economic security, social standing, and religious identity flowed along family lines. Roman law codified filial duty (pietas), requiring children and grandchildren to provide for aged parents and grandparents. Paul affirms this civic norm while grounding it in divine mandate. By highlighting grandchildren, he extends responsibility beyond immediate offspring, closing loopholes and ensuring widows are not neglected. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Continuity: Scripture views blessing and responsibility as multigenerational (Genesis 17:7; Psalm 78:5-6). Recognizing descendants reinforces God’s ongoing work through family lines. Implications for Christian Ministry and Family Life • Family First, Church Second: Congregational benevolence is not meant to eclipse familial duty. Pastors should encourage younger generations to shoulder financial and emotional care for aging relatives. Christological and Redemptive Thread Jesus is depicted as the promised Seed whose lineage culminates and fulfills Israel’s hope (Galatians 3:16). The mention of grandchildren reminds readers that salvation history moves through generations until it converges on Christ. Believers, adopted into God’s family, become spiritual descendants (Romans 8:15-17), charged to practice familial love reflective of the Father’s care. Practical Application 1. Evaluate the needs of elderly relatives; formulate a care plan that honors them. Summary Though occurring only once, the term casts a wide net of meaning. It underscores the God-ordained bond linking generations and calls the church to model sacrificial love within the household. Caring for grandparents is not supplemental morality; it is essential Christian obedience that magnifies the grace already received in Christ. Forms and Transliterations εκγονα έκγονα έκγονά ἔκγονα εκγόνοις έκγονον εκγόνων εκδανείσης εξεγράψαντο ekgona ékgonaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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