The Meaning and Use of 'Begotten' in the Bible

The term 'begotten' in the Bible, particularly in the King James Version (KJV), is often translated from the verb 'begat,' which signifies the process of giving birth to or the act of becoming a parent. This term is essential in understanding the lineage and inheritance discussions present in various biblical narratives.

Understanding the Term 'Begat'

'Begat' is a verb derived from the Latin 'generare,' meaning to generate or beget. In the King James Bible, it is used to trace genealogical links and to indicate the act of procreation or the establishment of a bloodline. For instance, the KJV translates Genesis 21:2 as 'Abraham begat Ishmael,' highlighting the direct parent-child relationship.

Translating 'Begat' in Hebrew

In Hebrew, the verb 'begat' is translated as 'yalad,' which is pronounced as 'yaw-lad.' This root verb 'yalad' is a primitive root that carries meanings such as:

To bear young (causatively) To beget (medically) To act as a midwife To show lineage To bring young to life To give birth To bring forth children or young To calve (specific to animals) To declare pedigrees To be the son (or daughter) of A woman in labor The time of delivery

Usage Examples in the Bible

To illustrate how 'begat' (or 'yalad' in Hebrew) is used in the Bible, consider the following examples:

Genesis 21:2

And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare him, Isaac:

In this verse, 'bare' (???.userIdΛS) is a form of 'yalad' (to bear), indicating Sarah's role in bringing forth Isaac.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Here, 'begotten' is used to convey the idea of God creating Jesus through His sonship, highlighting the divine origin and relationship.

Lineage Continuity

'Begat' is often used to explain the continuity of lineage and the establishment of a bloodline over generations. For example, in Genesis, we read:

Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs of Israel.

This series of events illustrates how each generation builds upon the previous one, ensuring the continuation of the lineage.

Immediate Parentage vs. Remote Ancestry

It is important to note that 'begat' can be used to denote immediate parentage or to signify a remote ancestor. For instance, although Isaac and Jacob were Abraham's actual sons, he could also be said to have 'begat' Joseph, who was his great-grandson:

Genesis 16:15, 25:26, and 37:3

Abraham begat Ishmael. ... And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, he and his seed, and they had children, and grew, and multiplied, very exceedingly; and the land was filled with them. ... And Joseph was the son of Jacob.

In these passages, the use of 'begat' connects Abraham to Joseph through a series of intermediary generations, emphasizing the bloodline's continuity.

Conclusion

The term 'begotten' in the Bible is a crucial element in genealogical narratives and theological discussions. Its multiple meanings and uses underscore the complex relationships outlined in biblical texts, highlighting both immediate parentage and remote ancestry.

Remember to refer to HebrewStrong's Concordance for more detailed information on the roots and translations of these terms.