Original Word: πατρίς
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: patris
Pronunciation: pä-treēs'
Phonetic Spelling: (pat-rece')
Definition: Homeland, native country, fatherland
Meaning: fatherland, one's native place.

own country.

From parasemos; a father-land, i.e. Native town; (figuratively) heavenly home -- (own) country.

see GREEK parasemos

Word Origin
from patér
Definition
of one's fathers, fatherland
NASB Translation
country (1), country of their own (1), hometown (6).

STRONGS NT 3968: πατρίς

πατρίς, πατρίδος, ἡ (πατήρ), one's native country;

a. as in classical Greek from Homer down, one's fatherland, one's (own) country: John 4:44 (cf. γάρ, II. 1); equivalent to a fixed abode (home (R. V. a country of their own), opposed to the land where one παρεπιδημει), Hebrews 11:14.

b. one's native (own) place i. e. city: Matthew 13:54, 57; Mark 6:1, 4; Luke 4:23,(24); so Philo, leg. ad Gaium § 36 (ἐστι δέ μοι Ἱεροσόλυμα πατρίς); Josephus, Antiquities 10, 7, 3; 6, 4, 6; ᾧ πατρίς ἡ Ἀκυληια ἦν, Herodian, 8, 3, 2 (1 edition, Bekker).

Word Origin: Derived from πατήρ (patēr), meaning "father."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of a native land or homeland in Hebrew is often expressed with terms like אֶרֶץ (erets, Strong's H776) meaning "land" or "earth," and מוֹלֶדֶת (moledeth, Strong's H4138), which refers to "kindred" or "birthplace." These terms capture similar ideas of familial and geographical origins as πατρίς in the Greek context.

Usage: The word πατρίς is used in the New Testament to describe the concept of a native place or hometown. It appears in contexts where Jesus refers to His own hometown or when discussing the reception of a prophet in their native land.

Context: The Greek term πατρίς is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of a native place or homeland. It is closely associated with one's familial and cultural roots, often evoking a sense of belonging and identity. In the Gospels, πατρίς is notably used in reference to Jesus' own experiences in His hometown of Nazareth.

In Matthew 13:54-57 (BSB), Jesus returns to His hometown and teaches in the synagogue, but the people are astonished and question His wisdom and miraculous powers, ultimately taking offense at Him. The passage highlights the familiarity of the people with Jesus' family, leading to their skepticism: "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't His mother's name Mary, and aren't His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?" (Matthew 13:55, BSB). Jesus responds with the well-known saying, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home" (Matthew 13:57, BSB).

Similarly, in Mark 6:1-4 (BSB), Jesus faces disbelief in His hometown, prompting Him to remark on the lack of honor a prophet receives among his own people. Luke 4:16-30 (BSB) provides another account of Jesus in Nazareth, where He reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and declares the fulfillment of the Scripture, leading to a hostile reaction from the townspeople.

The use of πατρίς in these passages underscores the tension between familiarity and faith, illustrating how Jesus' identity and mission were often misunderstood by those who knew Him from His early life. The term serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by prophets and messengers in their own communities, where preconceived notions and personal history can hinder acceptance and belief.

πατριδα πατρίδα πατριδι πατρίδι πατρίδος patrida patrída patridi patrídiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts