ἀναγεννάω (anagennaō)
anagennaō
to beget
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anagennaō means to beget or bring forth again, describing a fresh act of generation rather than a simple repetition. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the First Epistle of Peter, where it carries a distinct metaphorical weight regarding spiritual origin.
Its components suggest this renewal: the prefix ana implies a return or new beginning, while gennaō refers to birth. The sources indicate that this term describes being born into a new life, one conformed to God’s will. It is used to explain how believers receive a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3) and are regenerated by the imperishable seed of God’s word (1 Peter 1:23).
This specific wording highlights that the Christian life is not merely an improvement of the old self but a new creation. The emphasis rests on the divine action that initiates this fresh start, marking a clear break from previous existence through a spiritual rebirth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a fresh act of generation, bringing us into a new life that mirrors Christ’s own resurrection. It is not simply an improvement of who we were before, but a complete spiritual rebirth initiated by God’s mercy. When you read about being born again in Peter’s letter, it points to a living hope that anchors your soul even when circumstances feel unstable.
The text contrasts this divine birth with human origins, noting that it comes from an imperishable seed rather than corruptible material. This means the source of your new identity is eternal and unchanging. It offers a gentle reminder that your spiritual foundation rests on God’s enduring word, which remains forever, providing stability in a shifting world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having begotten again1×
- born again1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναγεννήσας1×
- ἀναγεγεννημένοι1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
This verse links the act of being begotten again directly to receiving a living hope through Christ's resurrection.
-
I Peter 1:23
having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.
Here the term clarifies that this new birth originates from incorruptible seed, specifically the word of God.