FOREFATHER

for'-fa-ther:

(1) 'abh ri'shon, "first father," "chief father," hence, "early ancestor": "turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers" (Jeremiah 11:10).

(2) progonos, "born before," "ancestor": "whom I serve from my forefathers" (2 Timothy 1:3). It is translated "parents" (including grandparents) in 1 Timothy 5:4: "and to requite their parents."

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.