What Born Means in the Bible

In Plain English

To be "born again" is to start a brand-new life through God's Spirit. It's a fresh spiritual beginning.

What It Means

To be begotten or brought into a new existence, especially the spiritual birth from above that Jesus described to Nicodemus. This birth is not of human will but of God, granting new life and new identity.

What We Usually Mean By It

To come into the world by birth

Word Origin

From 'genos' (kind, offspring). Gennaō means to father, beget, or give birth, entering a new family line or nature.

What English Loses

The Greek word 'γεννάω' (gennaō) carries a rich semantic range that includes not only the act of giving birth but also the broader concept of begetting or bringing forth life. It encompasses both physical and metaphorical birth, indicating origin, lineage, and even spiritual rebirth. Reading it in Greek reveals layers of meaning, such as the intimate relationship between the begetter and the begotten, which is often lost in the simple English translation 'born.' This depth enhances our understanding of passages like John 3:3, where Jesus speaks of being 'born again.'

How It Is Used

In key biblical passages, 'γεννάω' often appears in the aorist tense, which conveys a completed action, emphasizing the definitive nature of the birth or begetting event. It is typically used in the active voice, highlighting the agency of the one who begets. This grammatical structure underscores the transformative and decisive moment of birth or spiritual rebirth, as seen in contexts like Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus about being 'born of water and the Spirit.'

Life in Biblical Times

In the ancient world, 'γεννάω' was deeply tied to concepts of family lineage and identity. Birth determined one's place in society and inheritance rights. The word would evoke thoughts of continuity and belonging within a family or community. In a spiritual context, such as in the New Testament, it also suggested a new identity and relationship with God, resonating with the cultural understanding of being part of a divine family through spiritual rebirth.

Why It Matters

Flesh gives birth to flesh; the Spirit gives birth to spirit (John 3:6). Regeneration is monergistic, God's work, yet received through faith. Born of God, we become children of God with a new nature.

How to Apply It

When were you born again, and does your life show it? New birth produces new desires. Ask God to strengthen whatever feels still 'unborn' in your obedience, love, or courage.

Did You Know?

Jesus told Nicodemus a grown man must be 'born again' to see God's kingdom (John 3:3). The Greek allows 'born from above', birth sourced in heaven, not merely a moral fresh start.

Key Passage

“Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'”John 3:3 (KJV)

Related Words

Birth (gennēsis), Spirit (pneuma), Child (teknon)