ἀναγεννάω (anagennáō) is a Greek verb with the following meanings:
- To Beget Again: It means to give birth to again, suggesting a process of generating or bringing forth anew.
- To Regenerate: It is often used metaphorically to signify a new birth or spiritual renewal, such as in the context of spiritual rebirth or transformation.
Detailed Overview with Concordances
1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):
- BDAG defines ἀναγεννάω as “to beget again” or “to regenerate.” It highlights the term’s use in the New Testament to describe spiritual rebirth or renewal. For instance, it is used in passages discussing being “born again” or experiencing a new beginning in a spiritual sense (e.g., John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:3).
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2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):
- LSJ lists ἀναγεννάω as meaning “to beget again” or “to bring forth anew.” The lexicon notes its classical usage related to physical rebirth or regeneration, which extends into its metaphorical use for spiritual renewal.
3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:
- Thayer provides the definition of ἀναγεννάω as “to regenerate” or “to beget again.” It specifically addresses its New Testament usage related to the concept of spiritual rebirth, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles about being spiritually renewed through faith (e.g., John 3:3, Titus 3:5).
4. Strong’s Concordance:
- Strong’s Concordance identifies ἀναγεννάω under G313, defining it as “to regenerate” or “to beget again.” It emphasizes its use in the New Testament for describing the process of spiritual renewal or rebirth, aligning with the concepts of salvation and new life in Christ.
Summary:
ἀναγεννάω (anagennáō) is a Greek verb meaning “to beget again” or “to regenerate.” It denotes the concept of bringing forth something anew, often used metaphorically in the New Testament to refer to spiritual rebirth or renewal. Key lexicons such as BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance all recognize its primary meaning of regeneration and its significant application to spiritual transformation and new life in Christian theology.
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