From the book
Lysis
Plato · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Relationship by descent
συγγένεια
syngeneiaSyngeneia means family relationship, relationship by descent.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordSyngeneia means family relationship, relationship by descent.
- In LysisThe relationship to Heracles explains why the ancestor entertained him: the ancestor too was said to be a son of Zeus.
- Reading contextNothing in this early occurrence establishes that biological kinship is the explanation of friendship subsequently being sought; it belongs first to Hippothales’ inherited praise material.
- A place to readThe Greek example means “because of the relationship to Heracles.”
- English renderings
- Family relationship, relationship by descent
Meaning
Family relationship, relationship by descent.
Grammatical category: noun, feminine.
Use in the book
The relationship to Heracles explains why the ancestor entertained him: the ancestor too was said to be a son of Zeus. The noun is specific genealogical vocabulary in a story of family prestige.
It should remain distinct from οἰκεῖος, the broader term rendered “akin” elsewhere in the dialogue. The supplied edition deliberately translates συγγένεια as “relationship.” Nothing in this early occurrence establishes that biological kinship is the explanation of friendship subsequently being sought; it belongs first to Hippothales’ inherited praise material.
Places to read
- 205cδιὰ τὴν τοῦ Ἡρακλέους συγγένειαν — because of the relationship to Heracles.
From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Kinship and affinity
συγγένεια; συγγενής
sungeneia; sungenēsSyngeneia and syngenēs express a relationship of kind or nature, often using the language of kinship.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordSyngeneia and syngenēs express a relationship of kind or nature, often using the language of kinship.
- In StobaeusIn the Phaedo, the soul’s affinity with what is pure, everlasting, and unchanging helps explain the steadiness of its thought when it examines things by itself.
- In this edition“Akin” suits the relational predicate; “affinity” often avoids an unintended claim of biological parentage.
- A place to beginSoul’s contact with stable objects is explained through its affinity with them.
- English renderings
- kinship; affinity; being akin
Meaning
Syngeneia and syngenēs express a relationship of kind or nature, often using the language of kinship. Shared ancestry is not always literal biological descent.
Use in the book
In the Phaedo, the soul’s affinity with what is pure, everlasting, and unchanging helps explain the steadiness of its thought when it examines things by itself. Affinity supports a relation between knower and known; it is not merely an observation that their outward appearances are alike.
Places to read
- I.49.9.6Soul’s contact with stable objects is explained through its affinity with them.
Translation in this edition
“Akin” suits the relational predicate; “affinity” often avoids an unintended claim of biological parentage.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 330. The passage retains the qualifications “whenever” soul is by itself and “is able”; affinity is not presented as a constant achieved state of every embodied soul.