Pedigree
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Pedigree in the Bible?
Pedigree refers to the official registration of family lines, with genealogical records serving as a central feature in the biblical books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
SIGNIFICANCE
These genealogical records functioned as legal documents to verify tribal affiliation and priestly qualifications, helping readers understand how ancestral lineage determined an individual's role and standing within the post-exilic community.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Pedigree. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Pedigree in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Pedigree clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Pedigree." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/pedigree/