Brief Overview of Γέννησις (G1083: gennēsis)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γέννησις (transliterated as gennēsis and pronounced as “gen-nay-sis”) is derived from the root verb γεννάω (gennáō), which means “to beget” or “to give birth.” The primary meaning of gennēsis refers to the act of birth or the process of being born. It encapsulates the concept of generation or origin, particularly emphasizing the physical act of childbirth. The term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts to denote the beginning or origin of something.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In the lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s, γέννησις is noted as a noun primarily referring to the process of birth or generation. BDAG describes it as the act of begetting or giving birth, while Thayer’s lexicon also highlights the aspect of generation or birth. This word appears infrequently in the New Testament but holds significant meaning when it does. One key instance is found in Matthew 1:18, where it is used in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows…” Here, γέννησις specifically refers to the miraculous birth of Jesus, highlighting the divine intervention in the process of his coming into the world.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance echoes these meanings, focusing on the physical and generational aspects of the word. Although the term γέννησις is not frequently encountered in the New Testament, its usage is often tied to discussions of lineage, heritage, and the process of coming into existence, whether through physical birth or metaphorical beginnings.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, γέννησις was commonly used to describe the act of birth or origin. For example, in the works of Aristotle, the term is used to discuss the biological process of generation and the origins of life forms. Similarly, in medical texts by Hippocrates, γέννησις might describe childbirth and the generative processes of the human body. The word also appears in philosophical discourses, where it could be used metaphorically to discuss the origin or creation of ideas, states, or even the cosmos itself. These varied uses reflect the broad applicability of the term across different contexts, always with the core meaning of bringing something into existence.

Summary:
The word γέννησις (G1083), transliterated as gennēsis, primarily refers to the act of birth or the process of being born. Derived from the verb γεννάω (gennáō), it encompasses the concept of generation, origin, or the beginning of something, whether in a literal or figurative sense. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s highlight its usage in contexts related to childbirth or the beginnings of significant events, such as the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18. In classical Greek literature, γέννησις was a term frequently used in biological, medical, and philosophical discussions, often signifying the origin or creation of life or ideas. The word holds a profound connection to the concepts of life, origin, and divine intervention within both the New Testament and broader Greek thought.