ἀποκυέω (apokueō)
apokueō
to generate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apokueō means to bring forth a child from the womb, specifically marking the successful conclusion of pregnancy. In classical Greek it was often used as a technical or medical term for birth, distinguishing the final act of delivery from the general state of being pregnant.
In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in the first chapter of James (verses 15 and 18). The prefix apo adds a sense of completion, emphasizing that the process has reached its goal. This usage highlights the tangible reality of spiritual birth, just as it describes physical childbirth.
James uses this concrete image to explain how sin develops: desire conceives, and sin gives birth to death. Later, he contrasts this with God’s act of giving birth to believers through the word of truth. The choice of this specific term underscores the decisive, life-giving nature of both outcomes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word apokueō describes the final, decisive moment when a child is brought into the world. It moves beyond the general idea of pregnancy to focus on the act of delivery itself. In James, this term carries significant weight because it marks completion. The process has reached its goal, and something new is now present in reality.
James uses this concrete image to explain two very different kinds of birth. First, he shows how unchecked desire leads to sin, which then gives birth to death. This is a tragic outcome that we all want to avoid. Second, he contrasts this with God’s generous act of giving us new life through the truth. This spiritual birth is not something we earn but a gift from God.
Understanding this word helps us see the seriousness of our choices and the greatness of God’s grace. We are invited to rest in the fact that God has already brought us into His family. This new life is stable and secure, rooted in His will rather than our own efforts. It is a foundation for hope that remains firm through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it brings forth1×
- He brought forth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποκύει1×
- ἀπεκύησεν1×
Key Verses
-
James 1:15
Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. The sin, when it is full grown, produces death.
This verse uses the word to show how sin completes its destructive process, moving from internal desire to external action and final consequence.
-
James 1:18
Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Here the term highlights God’s initiative in giving believers new life, emphasizing that this spiritual birth is a deliberate act of His will through the truth.