Lexical Summary patrikos: Paternal, of or relating to a father Original Word: πατρικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance paternalFrom pater; paternal, i.e. Ancestral -- of fathers. see GREEK pater NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom patér Definition paternal, ancestral NASB Translation ancestral (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3967: πατρικόςπατρικός, πατρική, πατρικόν (πατήρ),paternal, ancestral, equivalent to handed down by or received from one's fathers: Galatians 1:14. (Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, and following; the Sept.) (Synonym: see πατροως, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Greek 3967 denotes what is “paternal, ancestral, handed down from the fathers.” Scripture employs the term to describe practices received from previous generations, highlighting both the weight of heritage and the potential peril of elevating human tradition above divine revelation. Single New Testament Occurrence (Galatians 1:14) “I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” (Galatians 1:14) Paul’s testimony centers on two ideas: rapid progression within Judaism and fervent zeal for inherited customs. The word points to the oral interpretations, rulings, and ritual observances developed by rabbinic authorities and cherished by the Pharisaic movement. Historical Context: Second Temple Judaism and Pharisaic Tradition 1. Oral Torah: By the first century, elaborate halakhic rulings regulated Sabbath conduct, purity, fasting, tithing, and ceremonial washings (compare Mark 7:3-4). Theological Significance 1. Revelation vs. Tradition: Paul contrasts paternal tradition with the “revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). Divine disclosure supplants any practice that obscures the gospel of grace. Warnings Concerning Human Tradition • Mark 7:8—“You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” Both passages expose the danger of traditions that eclipse the authority of Scripture and the sufficiency of Christ. Positive Use of Tradition When Anchored in Truth Paul also commends apostolic teaching as “tradition” when it transmits divine revelation (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The same apostle who renounced ancestral rituals urges believers to “hold to” gospel-centered instruction. Tradition is thus good or bad depending on its faithfulness to God’s word. Ancestral Faith and Generational Stewardship • Old Testament precedent: “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.” (Proverbs 22:28) Rightly honored heritage protects covenantal identity. Ancestral legacy should point beyond itself to the Lord, not become an end in itself. Ministry and Discipleship Implications 1. Evaluate Customs: Churches must examine inherited practices in light of Scripture, retaining what accords with the gospel and discarding what hinders it. Related Passages for Further Study Mark 7:1-13; Matthew 15:1-9; Acts 22:3; Romans 9:4-5; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Peter 1:18-19. Summary Strong’s Greek 3967 underscores the powerful influence of inherited customs. Galatians 1:14 shows Paul’s transformation from zealous guardian of ancestral tradition to servant of Christ who proclaims freedom from legalistic bondage. Scripture affirms honoring faithful heritage while insisting that every tradition bow to the supremacy of God’s revealed word. Forms and Transliterations πάτρια πατρική πατρικήν πατρικόν πατρικων πατρικών πατρικῶν patrikon patrikôn patrikōn patrikō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |