Understand the Terms « Relative »
The Meaning of Suggenēs in Paul’s Usage
In Romans 16, Paul refers to certain individuals as his “relatives” (or parents, or kinsmen according to some translations). To understand what he means, we need to look closely at the Greek word « συγγενής » (suggenēs), examining its lexical meaning, biblical usage, and its specific context in this chapter. The goal is to determine whether Paul is referring to immediate family (like father or mother) or to a broader sense of kinship.
For example, in Romans 16:7, Paul writes:
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and fellow prisoners; they are well known among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.” (WEB)
And in Romans 16:11:
“Greet Herodion, my kinsmen .” (WEB)
And in Romans 16:21:
“as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives” (WEB)
The Greek word translated as « kinsman » or « relative » is συγγενής (suggenēs).” (WEB)
1. Lexical Meaning of suggenēs
- Root meaning:
- Derived from syn- (« with ») and genos (« birth », « family », « origin »).
- Literally means “of the same family” or “of common descent”.
- It can imply a blood relative, but not necessarily a close or immediate family member.
- Extended meaning:
- In various contexts, suggenēs can also mean “compatriot,” “fellow countryman,” or “member of the same ethnic group.”
2. Biblical Usage of suggenēs
- In the Gospels:
- Luke 1:36 – “Your relative Elizabeth…”
→ Refers to a family member of Mary, likely a cousin or extended kin. - Luke 1:58 – “Her neighbors and relatives heard…”
→ Clearly refers to the extended family circle.
- Luke 1:36 – “Your relative Elizabeth…”
- In Acts:
- Acts 7:3, 14 – Refers to Abraham’s family and relatives.
→ Broader sense of kinship, including nephews, brothers, etc.
- Acts 7:3, 14 – Refers to Abraham’s family and relatives.
- In Paul’s writings:
- Romans 9:3 – “My brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”
→ Here, Paul clearly refers to his fellow Jews, not his biological siblings.
- Romans 9:3 – “My brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”
3. Application to Romans 16
In Romans 16:7 and 16:11, Paul uses suggenēs when referring to Andronicus, Junia, and Herodion. It is very unlikely that Paul is referring to his immediate family (father, mother, or siblings), because:
- He does not specify any close family ties as he does in other contexts.
- The word suggenēs does not require a close familial meaning but can simply mean fellow Jew or ethnic kin.
So, in this context, Paul is almost certainly using suggenēs to mean:
- Jews like himself,
- Possibly from the same tribe (Benjamin?) or diaspora background,
- But not biological family.
Doctrinal and Linguistic Summary
| Greek Term | Translation | Meaning in Romans 16 |
|---|---|---|
| συγγενής (suggenēs) | Kinsman / relative | A fellow Jew; an ethnic or national relative of Paul, not an immediate family member |
Why Is This Significant?
- Paul distinguishes between natural and spiritual ties. Here, he highlights Jewish believers he knows and honors, without referencing familial closeness.
- The term reinforces the idea of an active Jewish-Christian community in Rome, working in unity with Paul, reflecting the broader integration of Jewish and Gentile believers in the Church.
- It also shows Paul’s continued identification with his Jewish heritage, though he never elevates it as a status of superiority.
Conclusion
In Romans 16, the word suggenēs, translated as “kinsman” or “relative,” does not refer to Paul’s parents or immediate family, but rather to fellow Jews, his ethnic kin, possibly from the same tribal or cultural background. Paul uses the term to express fraternity and shared identity, not familial intimacy.
It is a broad and communal use of the term, reflecting Paul’s respect for his Jewish brothers in Christ, even as he carries out his calling as apostle to the Gentiles.