Divine Birth: τίκτω (Strong’s G5088: tikto) Reveals Messiah’s Incarnation

Strong’s G5088: A verb meaning “to bring forth, bear, or give birth to.” Used prominently in the birth narratives of Jesus and metaphorically for spiritual birth. Its usage emphasizes both the physical reality of the incarnation and the miraculous nature of divine conception.

U- Unveiling the Word

τίκτω carries profound theological significance in the New Testament, particularly in narratives of the Messiah’s birth. The word describes the actual process of giving birth, emphasizing the physical reality of Jesus’ incarnation. It appears prominently in both angelic announcements and fulfillment narratives, underscoring the historical reality of God becoming flesh. The early church emphasized this word’s importance in defending the true humanity of Jesus against docetic heresies. Today, it continues to affirm both the miracle of the virgin birth and the full humanity of Jesus, while also serving metaphorically to describe spiritual rebirth.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τίκτω, tikto, /TIK-to/
• Detailed pronunciation: TEEK-toh (emphasis on TEEK)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb from Proto-Indo-European *tek- meaning “to beget”
• Root word for terms related to childbirth
• No prefixes or suffixes in basic form

D – Defining Meanings

• To give birth
• To bring forth
• To bear (a child)
• To produce
• To beget

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “Give birth to” – Most precise biological meaning
• “Bring forth” – More formal equivalent
• “Bear” – Traditional translation in biblical contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γεννάω (gennao) /gen-NAH-oh/ – to beget, more general term for reproduction. See G1080
• κύω (kuo) /KOO-oh/ – to conceive, earlier stage of pregnancy. See G2945
• ὠδίνω (odino) /oh-DEE-no/ – to be in labor. See G5605

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a Verb:

• Tense: Present/Future/Aorist/Perfect
• Voice: Active/Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive/Imperative
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Perfective

Key forms:

• Present: τίκτω (I give birth)
• Future: τέξομαι (I will give birth)
• Aorist: ἔτεκον (I gave birth)
• Perfect: τέτοκα (I have given birth)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τίκτω’s literal meaning in childbirth while noting its metaphorical extensions. Thayer’s details its usage in both physical and spiritual contexts. LSJ documents its broad application in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its significance in virgin birth narratives. Strong’s connects it to fundamental concepts of reproduction. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in birth records and legal documents. The synthesis reveals a term that precisely describes the physical act of giving birth while carrying profound theological implications for both the incarnation and spiritual rebirth.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And she shall [bring forth] [τίκτω] a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Additional References:
Luke 1:31
Luke 2:7
John 16:21
Revelation 12:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τίκτω stands at the heart of the incarnation narrative, proclaiming the good news that God truly became flesh. Its use in describing Jesus’ birth emphasizes both the miracle of virgin conception and the reality of His human nature. This word reminds us that the Messiah entered human history through the same process as all humanity, yet in a uniquely miraculous way. It proclaims that God’s salvation plan involved not just divine decree but physical incarnation.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient medical texts describing childbirth procedures.
2. Early church fathers used it to defend Jesus’ true humanity.
3. Its future form in prophecies emphasizes the certainty of divine promises.

Strong’s G5088: A verb meaning “to bring forth, bear, or give birth to.” Used prominently in the birth narratives of Jesus and metaphorically for spiritual birth. Its usage emphasizes both the physical reality of the incarnation and the miraculous nature of divine conception.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: birth, incarnation, childbirth, virgin birth, humanity, reproduction, Mary, Jesus, nativity, motherhood, conception, pregnancy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​