Lexical Summary agenealogétos: Without genealogy, without descent Original Word: ἀγενεαλόγητος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without genealogyFrom a (as negative particle) and genealogeo; unregistered as to birth -- without descent. see GREEK a see GREEK genealogeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and genealogeó Definition without genealogy NASB Translation without genealogy (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 35: ἀγενεαλόγητοςἀγενεαλόγητος, , ὁ (γενεαλογέω), of whose descent there is no account (in the O. T.) (R. V. without genealogy): Hebrews 7:3 (Hebrews 7:6 μή γενεαλογούμενος). Nowhere found in secular authors. Topical Lexicon Entry Overview ἀγενεαλόγητος occurs once in the New Testament, Hebrews 7:3, describing Melchizedek as “without father, without mother, without genealogy”. Scripture employs the term to underline the uniqueness of Melchizedek’s priesthood and, by typological extension, the superiority of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Linguistic and Cultural Setting First-century Judaism prized genealogies, particularly for priests (Numbers 3:10; Ezra 2:61-63). Descent from Aaron validated service at the altar. Against this backdrop, a priest “without genealogy” would be inconceivable; the writer to the Hebrews intentionally invokes the term to jar the reader into recognizing a divinely orchestrated exception. Biblical Context Hebrews 7:1-10 builds on Genesis 14:18-20, where Melchizedek—king of Salem and priest of God Most High—blesses Abram. The absence of any parental or tribal information in Genesis becomes the exegetical springboard for Hebrews. By labeling Melchizedek ἀγενεαλόγητος, the author shows that Scripture itself presents a priest whose authority does not rest on lineage. Psalm 110:4 further confirms the point: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Theological Significance 1. Eternality of Priesthood: The lack of recorded ancestry suggests a ministry outside normal temporal boundaries (Hebrews 7:3, “resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time,”). Christological Typology Jesus, though born of Davidic lineage (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38), exercises a priesthood independent of tribal descent. Hebrews 7:14 notes that “our Lord descended from Judah,” a tribe with “no relation to priests.” His qualification rests on an indestructible life, not ancestry. The term therefore safeguards the doctrine that Christ’s priesthood is heavenly, eternal, and efficacious in a way the Levitical order could never be (Hebrews 7:25). Implications for Priesthood and Ministry • Assurance of Access: Because the High Priest’s authority is anchored in divine oath rather than human pedigree, believers have “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Historical Reception Early church fathers such as Tertullian and Augustine saw ἀγενεαλόγητος as evidence of Christ’s pre-incarnate activity. Reformation commentators emphasized the contrast between grace and legalism: the Levitical law highlights inherited privilege, while Melchizedek’s shadow of Christ proclaims divine grace. Pastoral Applications 1. Identity in Christ transcends family background, offering hope to those without notable lineage or fractured histories. Connections in Scripture Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5-10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-28. Conclusion The solitary appearance of ἀγενεαλόγητος in Hebrews 7:3 provides a theological linchpin, demonstrating that God prepared a priesthood surpassing the Levitical system—one rooted in His eternal purpose, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and applied to the church’s confidence, unity, and mission. Forms and Transliterations αγενεαλογητος αγενεαλόγητος ἀγενεαλόγητος agenealogetos agenealogētos agenealógetos agenealógētosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |