Pronunciation Guide: an-ag-en-nah’-o (ἀναγεννάω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G313: ἀναγεννάω is a compound verb that literally means “to beget again” or “to cause to be born again.” It describes the supernatural act of spiritual regeneration where God brings about new birth in a believer’s life, transforming them from their former state of spiritual death to new life in the Messiah. This word powerfully conveys the complete transformation that occurs when someone is born again through faith in Yeshua (Jesus).

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (ana, “again, anew”) + γεννάω (gennao, “to beget, give birth to”)
• Used primarily in epistolary literature for teaching spiritual truth
• Found in both active and passive voice constructions
• Appears exclusively in 1 Peter in the New Testament
• Related to classical Greek concepts of renewal and transformation

ἀναγεννάω Morphology:

• ἀναγεννάω (present active indicative) – I beget again
• ἀναγεννήσας (aorist active participle) – having begotten again
• ἀναγεγεννημένοι (perfect passive participle) – having been born again
• ἀναγεννηθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive) – might be born again

Origin & History

The concept of spiritual rebirth existed in Jewish thought before the New Testament era, though not with this specific terminology. In classical Greek literature, the prefix ἀνά- often carried the sense of “again” or “anew,” while γεννάω was commonly used for physical birth or origin. The compound form ἀναγεννάω appears to be a distinctly Christian usage, though the concept it represents has roots in Old Testament prophecies about spiritual renewal (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

The early Church Fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Paedagogus” (1.6.25), expanded on this term’s significance, connecting it to baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit. Justin Martyr, in his “First Apology” (61.3-4), uses related terminology when discussing Christian conversion and baptism.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Divine regeneration resulting in fundamental transformation
• Supernatural rebirth through the Spirit’s power
• Complete renewal of one’s spiritual nature
• Transition from death to life in the Messiah

ἀναγεννάω Translation Options:

• “to be born again” – Emphasizes the passive nature of the divine work
• “to beget anew” – Highlights the initiating action of God
• “to regenerate” – Captures the theological concept of spiritual renewal
• “to give new birth to” – Conveys the personal nature of God’s transformative work

Biblical Usage

The term ἀναγεννάω appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in 1 Peter, but its theological significance far outweighs its limited frequency. Peter uses this word to describe both the sovereign act of God in bringing about new birth and the resulting state of the believer.

The concept, though not always using this specific term, is foundational to New Testament soteriology, particularly evident in Jesus’s discourse with Nicodemus about being “born again” (John 3:3), where a different but related term (γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν) is used.

• “[ὁ ἀναγεννήσας] who has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3
• “[ἀναγεγεννημένοι] having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable” 1 Peter 1:23

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of new birth was connected to proselyte conversion, where Gentiles who converted to Judaism were considered “newly born.” The rabbis taught that when a Gentile converted, they became like a “new creation” and their previous family relationships were considered legally dissolved. This cultural background illuminates why Nicodemus, as a Jewish leader, should have better understood Jesus’s teaching about being “born again” in John 3:3.

Additionally, the Greek world was familiar with the concept of religious rebirth through mystery religions, though these bore only superficial similarity to the Christian doctrine of regeneration. The apostolic use of ἀναγεννάω represented a unique spiritual reality that transcended both Jewish proselyte conversion and pagan initiation rites.

Theological Significance

The doctrine of regeneration, expressed through ἀναγεννάω, reveals the magnificent truth that salvation is entirely God’s work. Just as we did not participate in our physical birth, we cannot cause our spiritual rebirth. This emphasizes God’s sovereignty in salvation and the supernatural nature of conversion.

This word also beautifully illustrates the trinitarian nature of salvation: God the Father begets us again (1 Peter 1:3), through the living and abiding word of God (1 Peter 1:23), by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8). The result is a new creation in the Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναγεννάω should fill believers with profound gratitude and hope. Just as an infant’s birth is only the beginning of physical life, our spiritual rebirth marks the beginning of an eternal journey of transformation. This new birth gives us a new nature, new desires, and new capabilities to live for God.

When we struggle with sin or doubt our ability to change, we can remember that the same divine power that raised Messiah from the dead has given us new life. We are not merely improved versions of our old selves; we are new creations with the very life of God within us.

Related Words

• παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia) – regeneration, renewal; used of both personal renewal and cosmic restoration See G3824
• γεννάω (gennao) – to beget, give birth to; the root word expressing physical or spiritual generation See G1080
• ἄνωθεν (anothen) – from above, again; used in Jesus’s discussion with Nicodemus about being born again See G509
• καινός (kainos) – new in quality, fresh; often used to describe the new nature received in regeneration See G2537

Did you Know?

• The concept of regeneration in ἀναγεννάω is so profound that early Christian baptismal fonts were often designed like wombs, symbolizing the new birth that occurs in baptism. Some ancient churches even had candidates enter from the west (symbolizing darkness) and emerge from the east (symbolizing new life in Christ).
• While ἀναγεννάω appears only twice in the New Testament, the theology it represents is found throughout Scripture, from the promise of a new heart in Ezekiel to Jesus’s teaching about new birth in John’s Gospel. This shows how a single word can capture a vast biblical concept.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀναγεννάω to describe renaissance or renewal movements, particularly in cultural or artistic contexts, though without the spiritual significance of its New Testament usage.

Remember This

ἀναγεννάω reminds us that salvation is not self-improvement but supernatural transformation—a divine act where God Himself births new life in those who trust in His Son.