Strong's Greek: 3273 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Meaning and Background

Strong’s Greek 3273 designates a term that speaks of what is “paternal,” “ancestral,” or “derived from a father.” Though the particular form never occurs in the inspired Greek text of the New Testament, the idea pervades Scripture. From the earliest pages of Genesis to the final benediction of Revelation, the Bible presents God as Father, covenant promises transmitted through fathers, and a redeemed people called to reflect the character of their heavenly Father.

Septuagint Usage

In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) words built on this paternal root are often used to translate Hebrew expressions such as “the house of the fathers” or “ancestral inheritance” (for example Numbers 36:7; Judges 11:2; Ezra 2:59). These renderings emphasize:
• Inheritance—land and blessings assigned along fatherly lines (Joshua 21:43).
• Identity—tribal and clan organization grounded in paternal descent (Numbers 1:2-4).
• Continuity—God’s faithfulness to patriarchs and their offspring (Exodus 3:15).

The Concept in the New Testament

While 3273 itself is absent from the New Testament, its theme is explicit.
• Divine Fatherhood: “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6).
• Jesus and His Father: “The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does” (John 5:20).
• Spiritual Adoption: “You received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Romans 8:15).
• Paternal Ministry: Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he served “as a father with his children” (1 Thessalonians 2:11).

Theological Significance

1. Revelation of God’s Nature – Scripture begins with God who fathers creation (Deuteronomy 32:6) and climaxes in the Son who perfectly images the Father (John 14:9).
2. Covenant Continuity – Promises to Abraham are given “to you and your descendants after you” (Genesis 17:7). The paternal line becomes the channel of messianic hope (Matthew 1:1-17).
3. Church Identity – Believers form a household in which God is both Father and architect (Ephesians 2:19-22).
4. Ethical Pattern – Imitating the Father’s character shapes practical holiness: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

Historical and Cultural Perspective

In the Greco-Roman world, a father provided name, status, discipline, and protection. Early Christians re-oriented that framework around God’s paternity. Earthly fathers now answered to a higher standard (Ephesians 6:4), and spiritual fatherhood emerged as seasoned leaders mentored younger believers (1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4).

Ministry Application

• Family Discipleship – Fathers are urged to nurture children “in the discipline and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
• Spiritual Parenthood – Mature saints invest in others, “entrust[ing] to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Heritage of Faith – Congregations steward the “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), ensuring each generation receives an uncorrupted gospel.
• Care for the Fatherless – Reflecting God, “a Father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5), the church defends and provides for those lacking paternal support (James 1:27).

Key Passages for Further Study

Genesis 18:19; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 103:13; Malachi 4:6; Matthew 23:9; John 1:12-13; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Hebrews 12:5-11; 1 Peter 1:17.

Summary

Though Strong’s Greek 3273 never surfaces in the New Testament text, its paternal concept saturates biblical revelation. God discloses Himself as Father, establishes covenant through fathers, and calls redeemed people to live, lead, and love in ways that mirror His paternal heart.

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts