The meaning of “γεννάω”
Understanding gennáō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring. - to procreate (properly, of the fat...
γεννάω
bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring. - to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother) - figuratively, to regenerate
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 1:12 | “And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;” Word: γεννάω (gennáō) | |
| Luke 1:57 | “Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.” Word: γεννάω (gennáō) | |
| Acts 7:29 | “Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.” Word: γεννάω (gennáō) | |
| 1 Corinthians 4:15 | “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” Word: γεννάω (gennáō) | |
| 2 Timothy 2:23 | “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” Word: γεννάω (gennáō) |
Theological Word Study: Born again
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Born again, born from above
The Greek phrase combines gennao (to beget/birth) with anothen (from above/again). Jesus told Nicodemus, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:3)—a spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirit.