τεκνογονία (teknogonia)
teknogonia
childbearing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun teknogonia refers specifically to the act of childbearing or the process of bringing children into the world. Derived from teknon ("child") and gennao ("to beget" or "give birth"), it denotes the physical reality of motherhood rather than the broader concept of parenting. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in 1 Timothy 2:15.
Its usage is notable for its singular occurrence and specific context. Paul writes that women will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love. The word highlights the biological aspect of a woman's role, distinguishing it from general rearing or education. While some translations might soften this to "motherhood," the Greek term points directly to the event of giving birth itself.
Translators must choose between literal accuracy and contextual clarity. Because the verse is complex and debated among scholars, some versions expand the meaning to include the entire experience of raising a family, while others stick strictly to the act of birth. This single instance remains a focal point for discussions on gender roles in early Christian communities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word teknogonia appears only once in the New Testament, found in 1 Timothy 2:15. It refers specifically to the physical act of childbearing. This rare term highlights a particular aspect of life that many women experience, grounding spiritual discussion in real bodily reality.
Understanding this word helps us see how Paul connects daily life with faith. He suggests that salvation is worked out through ordinary paths, including the challenges and joys of bringing children into the world. It reminds us that God cares about our physical existence, not just our thoughts.
This passage invites reflection on how we view motherhood and family. Rather than seeing these roles as separate from spiritual growth, Christians can see them as part of a life lived in faith. The text encourages continuing in love and holiness through all seasons of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- childbearing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τεκνογονίας1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 2:15
but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with sobriety.
This is the only occurrence of teknogonia in the New Testament, where Paul links the physical act of childbearing with continuing in faith and love.