γεννάω

I beget, bring forth, give birth to

Definition

The Greek verb γεννάω (gennaō) primarily means 'to beget' or 'to bring forth,' referring to biological procreation. It is used for a father begetting a son (Matthew 1:2-16) and a mother giving birth (John 16:21). In a significant metaphorical sense, it describes spiritual rebirth, as when Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be 'born again' (John 3:3, 7) or 'born of God' (1 John 5:1). This spiritual begetting is also attributed to God the Father (James 1:18) and through the word of truth (1 Peter 1:23).

Biblical Usage

Used 65 times in the New Testament, γεννάω appears in genealogies (Matthew 1:1-16), discussions of physical birth (John 16:21), and extensively in John's writings and 1 Peter for spiritual rebirth. In Matthew's genealogy, it establishes Jesus's Davidic lineage. The Gospel of John and the Johannine epistles heavily employ the term for the new birth from above (John 3:3-8) or from God (1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18). 1 Peter 1:3, 23 also uses it for being 'born again' to a living hope through the resurrection and the word.

Etymology

Derived from the root *gen- (meaning 'to produce, beget'), which is the source of many Greek words related to birth, family, and kind, such as γένος (genos, 'race, kind') and γένεσις (genesis, 'origin, birth'). It is a cognate with the Latin 'genus' and English words like 'generate' and 'genesis.' Its fundamental meaning of procreation expanded in the New Testament to include spiritual generation.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the doctrine of regeneration or the new birth. It underscores that salvation is not merely a human decision but a divine act of begetting, making believers children of God (John 1:12-13). The distinction between physical birth (John 1:13) and spiritual birth (John 3:5-6) is crucial. Understanding γεννάω enriches reading by highlighting the transformative, supernatural work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8) in a believer's life, establishing a new familial relationship with God.

In the Greco-Roman world, lineage and begetting were vital for inheritance, status, and legitimacy, as seen in Matthew's genealogy establishing Jesus's royal claim. The concept of being 'born again' or from above (John 3:3) would have been striking, as it introduced a spiritual birth transcending physical descent. This challenged traditional Jewish emphasis on Abrahamic lineage (cf. John 8:39-41) and pagan ideas of familial gods.

τίκτω (tiktō, G5088) — emphasizes the mother's act of giving birth, used literally (Luke 1:57) and metaphorically for producing results (James 1:15). ἀναγεννάω (anagennaō, G313) — a compound meaning 'to beget again' or 'regenerate,' used only in 1 Peter 1:3, 23, focusing specifically on the new birth.

Word Details

Scripture References