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ἀγενεαλόγητος

agenealógētos

G35 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Not traceable by lineage; without recorded genealogy or known ancestry. Used to describe individuals whose familial descent is not documented, particularly in genealogical records or priestly registries. In certain contexts, highlights lack of ancestral qualification or absence from formal family lines.

Semantic Range

without documented ancestry, not included in genealogical records, lacking traceable lineage, not registered by family line, without recorded descent

Root / Etymology

From the alpha privative (ἀ-) denoting 'not' or 'without,' and γενεαλογέω ('to trace ancestry, record genealogy'), which itself derives from γενεά ('generation, family, descent') and λόγος ('account, narration'). Thus, ἀγενεαλόγητος literally means 'without genealogy' or 'not counted in a genealogy.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in Hellenistic-period Greek and rare in extant literature. In the New Testament (Hebrews 7:3), ἀγενεαλόγητος describes Melchizedek as lacking recorded lineage, contrasting with the extensive use of genealogical records for priestly qualification among Judaites and other Israelites. The term does not necessarily imply illegitimacy, but signals the absence of written pedigree or registration—often of priestly or tribal lines. Standard English translations, such as 'without descent' or 'without genealogy,' render the surface sense but may obscure the cultural significance of documented ancestry in Second Temple and Hellenistic contexts. Usage reflects the importance of genealogical documentation in defining status and eligibility within traditions of the ancient world.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as negative particle) and γενεαλογέω; unregistered as to birth:--without descent.

Root Family

ἀγενεαλόγητος (agenealogētos) — without genealogy, unrecorded ancestry, not registered by lineage

Root γενεαλογ- to record genealogy, to trace descent, to register by lineage

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G35-01 ἀγενεαλόγητος agenealogetos ADJ.S NOM M SG without genealogy without recorded lineage without recorded lineage 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G35-01 Hebrews 7:3 ἀγενεαλόγητος agenealogetos ADJ.S NOM M SG without genealogy without recorded lineage without recorded lineage
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