Genealogies (1076) (genealogia from genealogeo [word study] = recount a family's origin and lineage, trace ancestry in turn from genea = generation + légo = reckon) literally refers to accounts of an ancestry, such as seen in a "genealogical tree".
In the context ("surrounded by" foolish controversies on one side and strife on the other) these genealogies were far more than a family's genealogical record, which by itself would be an innocent thing. While one cannot be absolutely dogmatic, it clearly the genealogies were not treated primarily as historical documents, but according to some commentators they were subjected to a highly symbolic interpretive scheme. Names, dates and places supposedly contained hidden meanings which became the basis for esoteric doctrines.
The only other NT uses of genealogia is found in first Timothy...
1Ti 1:4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.
Paul is not referring to the genealogies found in Scripture, for these are critical for determining the lineage of the Messiah, as noted in the opening of Matthew 1:1ff ("The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.") and in Luke 3:23-38. Paul is referring to the many fanciful interpretations of such genealogies which could easily degenerate into controversial speculation and strife.
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
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