1549. ekgonos
Lexical Summary
ekgonos: Descendant, offspring

Original Word: ἔκγονος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: ekgonos
Pronunciation: ek'-go-nos
Phonetic Spelling: (ek'-gon-on)
KJV: nephew
NASB: grandchildren
Word Origin: [neuter of a derivative of a compound of G1537 (ἐκ - among) and G1096 (γίνομαι - become)]

1. a descendant
2. (specially) grandchild

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 Origin
der. 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: ἔκγονος

ἔκγονος, ἔκγονον (ἐκγίνομαι), sprung from one, born, begotten (Homer and following); commonly as a substantive, , 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.); , etc.; צֶאֱצָאִים, Isaiah 48:19; Isaiah 61:9; בֵּן, Isaiah 49:15; also in Sir. 40:15 Sir. 44:11, etc. In the N. T. once: 1 Timothy 5:4 τέκνα ἔκγονα, grandchildren (A. V. renders it by the obsolete, nephews; cf. Eastwood and Wright, Bible Word-Book, or B. D. American edition under the word ).

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Scope

The 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.
2. Practical Godliness: Faith expresses itself tangibly in the household (James 1:27). The care of widows becomes a litmus test for genuine devotion, with grandchildren included in that call.
3. Witness to the World: Obedience in family obligations showcases the gospel’s transformative power (1 Timothy 5:7-8). When descendants honor their elders, they mirror the character of Christ, who honored His earthly mother even from the cross (John 19:26-27).

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.
• Intergenerational Discipleship: Grandparents possess a unique role in transmitting faith stories; grandchildren, in turn, honor them by ensuring dignity in later years.
• Stewardship of Resources: Biblical stewardship includes budgeting for eldercare. Modern believers must anticipate these obligations rather than default to state provisions.

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.
2. Encourage grandchildren to maintain regular contact—visits, calls, or letters—as acts of piety.
3. Integrate testimonies from grandparents into family worship, reinforcing legacy and gratitude for God’s faithfulness.

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 ékgona
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Timothy 5:4 Adj-ANP
GRK: τέκνα ἢ ἔκγονα ἔχει μανθανέτωσαν
NAS: or grandchildren, they must first
KJV: or nephews, let them learn
INT: children or descendants have let them learn

Strong's Greek 1549
1 Occurrence


ἔκγονα — 1 Occ.

1548
Top of Page
Top of Page