"one’s native place, country, or city, Mt. 13:54, 57; Mk. 6:1, 4; Lk. 4:23, 24; Jn. 4:44; a heavenly country, Heb. 11:14*"
Definition and meaning
one’s native place, country, or city, Mt. 13:54, 57; Mk. 6:1, 4; Lk. 4:23, 24; Jn. 4:44; a heavenly country, Heb. 11:14*
In the original Greek the word is written: πατρίς
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of patris (G3968) across the King James Bible.
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
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Common questions
Strong's G3968 (patris) is a Greek word that means: one’s native place, country, or city, Mt. 13:54, 57; Mk. 6:1, 4; Lk. 4:23, 24; Jn. 4:44; a heavenly country, Heb. 11:14* It appears 8 times in the King James Bible.
The word patris (G3968) appears 8 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3968 is patris, a Greek word defined as: one’s native place, country, or city, Mt. 13:54, 57; Mk. 6:1, 4; Lk. 4:23, 24; Jn. 4:44; a heavenly country, Heb. 11:14*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
patris is a Greek word found in the New Testament.