Understanding γέννησις (genesis) Strong’s G1083: The Divine Process of Birth That Reveals God’s Creative Power in Redemption

Pronunciation Guide: GEN-nay-sis (γέν-νη-σις)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1083: γέννησις (genesis) refers to the process of generating, begetting, or giving birth. It describes the origin or beginning of something, particularly emphasizing the process of bringing forth life. In biblical contexts, it often carries profound theological significance, pointing to divine intervention in human reproduction and the miraculous nature of certain births.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from the verb γεννάω (gennaō, G1080) meaning “to beget, bear, bring forth”
• Root connection to γένος (genos) meaning “family, race, kind”
• Hellenistic Greek origin
• Primarily used in narrative contexts, especially in the Gospels
• Related to concepts of origin, lineage, and creation

γέννησις Morphology:

• γέννησις (nominative singular) – birth, generation
• γεννήσεως (genitive singular) – of birth, of generation
• γεννήσει (dative singular) – in/with birth, in/with generation
• γέννησιν (accusative singular) – birth, generation (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term γέννησις has deep roots in ancient Greek thought, where it represented the concept of coming into being. In classical Greek literature, the concept appears in philosophical writings, such as Plato’s discussions of creation and becoming. Aristotle used related terms when discussing natural generation and the coming-to-be of living organisms in his works on biology.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, related terms appear in genealogical accounts and birth narratives, though γέννησις itself is less common. The concept gained prominence in Hellenistic Jewish literature, including the works of Philo of Alexandria, who used it when discussing the creation accounts in Genesis and the metaphysical origins of humanity. By the time of the New Testament, the term had acquired rich theological associations related to divine activity in human reproduction and the miraculous nature of certain births.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The biological process of giving birth or being born
• The origin or beginning of something
• The act of generation or creation
• A record of one’s lineage or genealogy
• The process of coming into existence

γέννησις Translation Options:

• “Birth” – Emphasizes the physical act of being born, appropriate in contexts describing the actual nativity event
• “Origin” – Highlights the beginning or source, useful when discussing lineage or genealogy
• “Generation” – Captures both the process and result of bringing something into existence
• “Conception” – While not completely accurate to the Greek, sometimes used to emphasize the beginning of the process
• “Nativity” – A more formal or ceremonial term that carries theological weight, especially when referring to the birth of the Messiah

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γέννησις appears most prominently in Matthew 1:18, where it introduces the narrative of Yeshua’s birth: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows…” This usage sets the stage for the miraculous nature of the Messiah’s incarnation. The term’s placement at this critical juncture in Matthew’s Gospel highlights the significance of Yeshua’s birth as both a fulfillment of prophecy and the inauguration of a new era in God’s redemptive plan.

While γέννησις itself is rare in the New Testament, its verbal root γεννάω appears frequently in contexts describing both physical birth and spiritual rebirth. These usages form a theological thread connecting natural birth, the incarnation of the Messiah, and the spiritual regeneration of believers.

• “Now the birth [γέννησις] of Jesus Christ was as follows…” Matthew 1:18
• “…the book of the genealogy [βίβλος γενέσεως, related term] of Jesus Christ…” Matthew 1:1
• “…and they will celebrate the day of your birth [γενέσεως, related term]…” Matthew 14:6
• “…who were born [ἐγεννήθησαν, related verb] not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh…” John 1:13
• “…unless one is born [γεννηθῇ, related verb] again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Jewish context, birth was considered a profoundly spiritual event, not merely a biological process. The Hebrew concept of birth (ילד, yalad) included the understanding that Yahweh was intimately involved in the formation of new life. Psalm 139:13 declares, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.” This theological understanding informed the Jewish perspective on γέννησις in the first century.

The circumstances surrounding a birth were often seen as prophetically significant. Unusual or miraculous birth narratives in the Tanakh (Old Testament) – such as those of Isaac, Samuel, and Samson – established a pattern of divine intervention that prepared the Jewish mindset for the ultimate miraculous birth: that of the Messiah. When Matthew employs γέννησις to introduce Yeshua’s birth narrative, he taps into this rich cultural understanding that saw births, especially unusual ones, as moments of divine revelation and intervention. The Jewish expectation that Elijah would return before “the great and terrible day of Yahweh” (Malachi 4:5) also influenced how the early Jewish followers of Yeshua understood His birth as the inauguration of the messianic age.

Theological Significance

The concept of γέννησις in Scripture reveals God’s sovereign power over human reproduction and His direct involvement in bringing forth new life. This is particularly evident in the virgin birth of Yeshua, where divine intervention superseded the natural order. This miraculous γέννησις demonstrates that with God, “nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37), highlighting His omnipotence and sovereignty over creation.

Beyond the physical aspect, γέννησις and its related terms point to spiritual rebirth – being “born again” or “born from above” as described in John 3:3-7. This spiritual γέννησις is entirely a work of God’s grace, not of human will or effort. Just as we have no control over our physical birth, our spiritual regeneration is a sovereign act of God that we receive rather than achieve. This profound theological truth underscores the Scriptural teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The γέννησις of the Messiah represents the intersection of divine and human, the eternal entering time, and the Creator becoming creation. It stands as the pivotal moment in salvation history, where God’s promises find their fulfillment and His redemptive plan takes its most decisive step forward.

Personal Application

Understanding γέννησις invites us to reflect on both our physical and spiritual births with wonder and gratitude. Just as God orchestrated the circumstances of our physical birth, determining the time, place, and family into which we were born, He has also sovereignly worked to bring about our spiritual rebirth. This should inspire profound humility and thankfulness as we recognize that both forms of birth are gifts we could neither earn nor arrange ourselves.

The miraculous nature of γέννησις also reminds us that God specializes in bringing forth new beginnings when they seem impossible. When we face situations that appear hopeless or dead, we can remember that the same God who brought the Messiah through a virgin birth and who raises spiritually dead hearts to life can create new possibilities in our circumstances. As we walk with Him, we can trust His power to birth new hope, new faith, and new love in situations where human capacity has reached its limit.

Related Words

• γεννάω (gennaō) – to beget, to give birth to, to produce. This verb forms the foundation for understanding γέννησις, as it describes the action of bringing forth life. While γέννησις focuses on the process or event, γεννάω emphasizes the action itself. See G1080
• παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia) – regeneration, rebirth, renewal. This compound word combines “again” with “birth” to describe spiritual rebirth or the future renewal of creation. It appears in discussions of baptismal regeneration and eschatological restoration. See G3824
• τίκτω (tiktō) – to bring forth, give birth to, bear. While similar to γεννάω, this term more specifically focuses on the mother’s act of giving birth rather than the general concept of generation or procreation. See G5088
• ἀναγεννάω (anagennaō) – to beget again, cause to be born again. This term specifically addresses spiritual rebirth and is used by Peter to describe the new birth of believers through God’s word. See G313
• γενεά (genea) – generation, age, race. Referring to people of the same time period or lineage, this term connects to γέννησις through the shared concept of descent and origin. See G1074

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Jewish tradition, the circumstances of a person’s birth were often seen as prophetic indicators of their future role or calling? This cultural understanding adds depth to Matthew’s detailed account of Yeshua’s γέννησις, as each element—from the angelic announcements to the virgin conception to the star guiding the Magi—was understood to reveal something significant about the Messiah’s identity and mission. The Jewish readers of Matthew’s Gospel would have recognized these birth circumstances as fulfillments of messianic prophecies and signs of divine purpose.
• Did you know that the concept represented by γέννησις appears in modern medical terminology? The field of obstetrics includes terms like “genesis” and “congenital” (present at birth), preserving the ancient Greek understanding of birth and origin in contemporary healthcare language. This linguistic connection reminds us that while medical science has advanced dramatically, the fundamental wonder of new life coming into being—the essence of γέννησις—remains as profound today as it was in biblical times.
• Did you know that in the early church, the celebration of Yeshua’s γέννησις (what we now call Christmas) was not initially as important as the celebration of His resurrection? The earliest Christians placed greater emphasis on Resurrection Sunday (Easter) than on the Nativity. It wasn’t until the 4th century CE that December 25th became widely established as the feast of the Nativity. This historical development shows how the theological understanding of γέννησις evolved over time, eventually gaining recognition as a pivotal salvation event worthy of its own major celebration in the Christian calendar.

Remember This

γέννησις reveals that in both creation and redemption, God initiates life where it would be impossible by human means alone, demonstrating that what He brings to birth—whether a promised child, the incarnate Messiah, or a spiritually reborn heart—perfectly fulfills His sovereign purpose.