← Back to Lexicon
G1081 · Greek · New Testament
γέννημα
Gennēma
Noun, neuter
Offspring, fruit, that which is born

Definition

Gennēma (γέννημα) refers to offspring or that which has been born — the product of generation. It is used both for agricultural fruit (the produce of the vine) and for people (offspring of vipers). The word emphasizes the relationship between source and product: what you are produces what you bear.

Theological Significance

Jesus's use at the Last Supper — "I will not drink again of this fruit (gennēma) of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29) — transforms the ordinary fruit of the vine into an eschatological sign. The cup points forward to the wedding banquet of the Lamb. Meanwhile, the phrase "brood (gennēmata) of vipers" (Matthew 3:7; 12:34) underscores that character reproduces itself in offspring.

Key Scripture Passages

Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
Matthew 12:34
"You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
Matthew 26:29
"I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
Mark 14:25
"Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
Luke 3:7
He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"

Related Words

Study Further

🌙
☀️