Brief Overview of γεννητός (G1084: gennētos)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γεννητός (transliterated as gennētos and pronounced as “gen-nay-tos”) is an adjective derived from the verb γεννάω (gennáō), which means “to beget” or “to bring forth.” The root of this word, γίγνομαι (gígnomai), means “to become” or “to come into being.” Gennētos essentially refers to something that is “begotten” or “born.” The term is used in ancient Greek to describe something that has been generated or brought into existence, particularly in the context of physical birth.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In the BDAG lexicon, γεννητός is defined as “begotten” or “born,” and it is primarily used in the context of natural birth. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon agrees, emphasizing the meaning as “one who is born.” The term is used to distinguish between things that are created or born and those that are uncreated or eternal. In the New Testament, γεννητός appears in John 3:6, where Jesus speaks about the contrast between that which is born of the flesh and that which is born of the Spirit. This usage highlights the contrast between physical birth (γεννητός) and spiritual rebirth.

The term γεννητός does not appear frequently in the New Testament, but its usage in John 3:6 is significant in understanding the nature of spiritual rebirth as distinct from physical birth. The concept of being “born again” (γεννηθήναι ἄνωθεν) as described in the same chapter is foundational to Christian theology, and γεννητός plays a role in defining this dichotomy.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, γεννητός is used to describe something that is born or begotten, often in contrast with something that is eternal or uncreated. For example, in Plato’s dialogues, the word can be found in discussions about the nature of the soul and the cosmos, contrasting things that are created (γεννητός) with things that are uncreated (ἀγέννητος). The philosopher Aristotle also uses the term in his works on metaphysics and biology to distinguish between beings that are generated (and thus have a beginning) and those that are eternal.

Summary:
The word γεννητός (G1084), transliterated as gennētos, refers to something or someone that is “begotten” or “born.” Derived from the Greek verb γεννάω (to beget), it is used in the New Testament, particularly in John 3:6, to describe natural birth in contrast to spiritual rebirth. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s confirm its primary meaning as “born” or “begotten,” and it is frequently used in classical Greek literature to distinguish between created and eternal entities. Understanding γεννητός helps to clarify the theological distinction between physical and spiritual birth, which is central to the Christian concept of being “born again.”