Begotten (γεννάω) is predominately used regarding birth; however, it is not restricted in use to only producing a child. It is used in genealogies to connect the father with his children. Abraham begot Isaac, Matthew 1:2, and the results of an action. Paul begot the Corinthian saints, 1 Corinthians 4:15, and became a parent to Onesimus, Philemon 10. Therefore, begotten (γεννάω) is not limited to a birthing term. Its root meaning expresses producing something, hence, bringing forth.
While Joseph was considering how to deal with his fiancé who had become pregnant before he knew her, an angel appeared to him in a dream informing him that the thing that is begotten in Mary’s womb is from the Holy Spirit, Matthew 1:20. Although Christ had not been born at this time, God the Father and the Holy Spirit brought forth a body that was being developed in Mary’s womb. Around two years after Jesus’ birth (when he was begotten from the womb), three wisemen from the east came looking for Him because of the star that was prophesied about through Daniel, Matthew 2:1. Therefore, because of its underlying meaning, begotten (γεννάω) can relate to a child in the womb along with one who has been born.
Begotten (γεννάω) is also used for the condition in which a person is born along with how their birth came about. Some eunuchs are begotten, brought forth as a eunuch, from their mother’s womb, Matthew 19:12. The Pharisees accuse Jesus of being born out of fornication, John 8:41. They also accuse a man who was born blind of being begotten in sin due to his birth defect, John 9:34. Paul’s Roman citizenship was brought forth because of where and to whom he was born, Acts 22:28. God brought about the nation of Israel through one man, who was as good as dead, Hebrews 11:12.
During Christ’s ministry on the earth, He gave those who accepted Him as the Messiah the authority to become children of God. These are begotten not out from blood, nor by the desirous will of the flesh or man, but by God, John 1:13. God will bring them forth as His children, 1 John 3:2. One who becomes a child of God is begotten from above, John 3:3. That which is begotten of the flesh is flesh, but that which is begotten of the Spirit is spirit, John 3:6. After the resurrection of Christ, those who God begets do not habitually sin, because God’s seed abides in them, 1 John 3:9. These are the ones who do righteousness for God begets them, 1 John 2:29.
When God the Son was brought into the world by God the Father, it was on that day that the Son wrapped Himself in flesh through the inherent ability of the Father, Acts 13:33. He is the Son, who was begotten. This is the One God the Father raised from the dead, Acts 13:34.
Paul begot the Corinthians saints by bringing the gospel for salvation to them, 1 Corinthians 4:15. Their new birth was not through Paul; however, as a result of his ministry to them, Paul became as a father to them. Paul also became a father to Onesimus, a runaway slave, Philemon 10.
As those belonging to God, we are to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they bring forth (beget) strife, 2 Timothy 2:23.
Begotten (γεννάω) is not a word that is limited to one who is born from another; therefore, the context must determine what and how something was brought about. When God the Father begot the Son, the Son did not come into existence, nor did He become a Son at that time. This refers to when God the Son was wrapped in flesh and walked among us. Through Paul’s ministry, as he brought the gospel of the Christ to the cities and nations around him, he was begotten as their father in the faith. Even strife is begotten by foolish and ignorant disputing. Therefore, begotten (γεννάω) is not limited to one who is born from another; instead, it conveys that which was brought forth by the act that brings something about.
