← G312 G314 →

ἀναγεννάω

anagennáō

G313 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To beget anew, to cause to be born again. In Koine Greek contexts, primarily denotes the act of initiating a new birth or generating a new life, either literally or metaphorically. Extended metaphorical sense includes the idea of producing a complete renewal or transformation, especially with reference to spiritual or moral rebirth in certain contexts.

Semantic Range

to beget anew, to cause to be born again, to produce a new beginning, to effect regeneration, to bring about spiritual or moral renewal

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἀνά (again, up) and the verb γεννάω (to beget, to produce, to give birth). The compound indicates repetition—i.e., to beget/bear again, or anew.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested first in post-classical and Koine Greek literature but rare prior to the Hellenistic/Roman period. Found predominantly in later Greek sources and the New Testament (notably in 1 Peter 1:3, 23), where it carries a strong metaphorical sense of complete renewal (moral, ethical, or spiritual). The term is rarer in classical literature; the basic verb γεννάω is more widely attested for physical procreation or generation. In the New Testament and contemporaneous writings, ἀναγεννάω often denotes a transformative event characterized by renewal and a change of state, reflected in translations such as 'born again' or 'regenerated.' English Bible tradition often renders this as 'born again' or 'beget anew,' but these can obscure the term’s dynamic connotations in original contexts. Distinct from other Greek terms for 'renewal' or 'change' (e.g., ἀνακαινίζω, to make new), as it retains the metaphor of 'birth' or 'generation.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνά and γεννάω; to beget or (by extension) bear (again):--beget, (bear) X (again).

Root Family

ἀναγεννάω (anagennáō) — to beget, to produce, to cause birth, to generate anew

Root γεννάω to beget, to produce, to cause birth, to generate

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G313-01 ἀναγεγεννημένοι anagegennemenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL having been born again having been begotten anew having been born again 1
G313-02 ἀναγεννήσας anagennesas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG has begotten having begotten anew having begotten anew 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G313-02 1 Peter 1:3 ἀναγεννήσας anagennesas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG has begotten having begotten anew having begotten anew
G313-01 1 Peter 1:23 ἀναγεγεννημένοι anagegennemenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL having been born again having been begotten anew having been born again
← G312 Greek Lexicon G314 →