Kenneth Heck Become an eBible supporter like Kenneth Heck! Learn More'>Supporter The Greek term 'syngenis, simply means “relative” (NKJV, NASB, NIV) or “kinswoman” (ASV, RSV). It is a general term, meaning ‘of the same family.’ Thus, Mary and Elizabeth may have been first cousins, or they may have been fourth cousins. All we know for sure is that they were kin. Mary and Elizabeth could have been from different tribes and still have been first cousins. It may be that their mothers were sisters.Though Elisabeth was, on the father’s side, of the daughters of Aaron (v. 5), yet on the mother’s side she might be of the house of David. However Mary and Elizabeth were related, tribal heritage among the descendants of Jacob was passed down through fathers, not mothers; children were always of their father’s tribe, not their mother’s. Thus, Elizabeth and Mary were descendants of Aaron and David, respectively, by way of their fathers’ ancestry, and not necessarily of their mothers’.

May 04 2017 • • • • Report