Brief Overview of γεννάω (G1080: gennaō)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γεννάω (transliterated as gennaō and pronounced as “ghen-nah’-o”) is a verb that primarily means “to beget” or “to give birth.” This word is derived from the root γίνομαι (ginomai), which means “to become” or “to come into being.” The term γεννάω is used in various contexts to describe both physical and metaphorical forms of birth or creation, encompassing the acts of generating offspring, bringing something into existence, or initiating a new state of being.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In BDAG, γεννάω is outlined as a term with several layers of meaning. It can refer to the physical act of begetting or bearing children, but it also has theological implications, particularly in the New Testament. The word is frequently used in the genealogical records of the Gospels to denote the fathering of children, such as in Matthew 1:2-16, where the lineage of Jesus is traced through generations. Additionally, γεννάω is used metaphorically to describe spiritual rebirth or regeneration, as seen in John 3:3-8, where Jesus speaks of being “born again” (or “born from above”) as a requirement for entering the kingdom of God.

Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes γεννάω as not only a physical term but also as a spiritual one, reflecting the idea of becoming children of God through faith. Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights how the word is applied both to human procreation and to the divine act of giving spiritual life. The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance aligns with these interpretations, underscoring the dual application of γεννάω in both literal and figurative senses.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, γεννάω is commonly used in its literal sense of begetting or giving birth. For example, in the works of Homer, the word is used to describe the generation of heroes and demigods. In Plato’s writings, γεννάω often conveys the idea of intellectual or spiritual generation, such as the birth of ideas or virtues. Additionally, in the works of Herodotus, γεννάω appears in historical accounts to describe the lineage and heritage of kings and noble families. These examples show the word’s wide application in describing both physical and metaphorical creation.

Summary:
The Greek word γεννάω (G1080), transliterated as gennaō, carries the primary meaning of “to beget” or “to give birth.” It originates from the root γίνομαι, meaning “to become.” While the term is used in a literal sense to describe the act of procreation, its significance in the New Testament extends to spiritual rebirth and the initiation of a new state of being, particularly in the context of Christian faith and the concept of being “born again.” Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Vines highlight both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the word, reflecting its rich theological implications. In classical Greek literature, γεννάω is employed to describe both the generation of offspring and the metaphorical birth of ideas and virtues, underscoring its versatile use across various contexts.