γενεά

The Greek word genea (generation) carries a semantic range that includes a period of time, a group of people living during that time, or more broadly, a race or kind of people. In the New Testament, it often refers to contemporaries, particularly in Jesus' teachings where "this generation" frequently highlights the specific group of people with whom he interacts. This usage can carry a negative connotation, indicating a resistant or unbelieving group, but it can also simply refer to the current cohort of people.

Beyond a specific group of contemporaries, genea can also denote a succession of people, as in a family line or ancestry, though this is less common in the New Testament than its use in the Septuagint. It can also signify a distinct epoch or age, pointing to a period of time characterized by certain events or moral conditions. The context is crucial for discerning whether the term refers to a group of people, a span of time, or a particular lineage.

The theological weight of genea often emerges in eschatological discussions, particularly in the Gospels when Jesus speaks of "this generation" not passing away before certain prophecies are fulfilled. This has led to various interpretations regarding the timing and scope of these prophecies. In other contexts, genea emphasizes the continuity or discontinuity between different eras and the responsibility of those living in a particular time. The term is fundamentally about human groupings and their temporal existence.