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G1083 · Greek · New Testament
γέννησις
Gennēsis
Noun, feminine
Birth, nativity

Definition

Gennēsis (γέννησις) refers to the act or event of birth — a nativity. This word appears in Matthew 1:18 describing the birth of Jesus Christ and in Luke 1:14 in the context of John the Baptist's birth. It focuses specifically on the event of being born, in contrast to genesis which can encompass broader origin and lineage.

Theological Significance

The birth (gennēsis) of Jesus in Matthew 1:18 is qualified immediately: "from the Holy Spirit" — making this the most unique birth in history. The incarnation is not merely the birth of a great man but the eternal Son of God taking on human flesh. The mystery of gennēsis here is that the Creator enters His own creation, the Ancient of Days is born of a woman (Galatians 4:4), and the Word becomes flesh (John 1:14). Heaven invades earth.

Key Scripture Passages

Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.
Luke 1:14
"And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth."
Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Micah 5:2
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
Galatians 4:4
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.

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