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μονογενής

monogenḗs

G3439 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Single or unique of its kind, only one in a category or relationship; in familial contexts, refers to an only child, especially an only son or daughter. Also denotes singularity or uniqueness more broadly—something or someone without parallel or equal, often in reference to an entity's distinctive nature, status, or relationship, especially in expressions emphasizing exceptional or unique character (e.g., 'one and only').

Semantic Range

only child, only son/daughter, unique individual, only one of its kind, unique in category, singular, sole

Root / Etymology

From μόνος ('alone, only, single') and γεννάω (contracted here as -γενής, from γίνομαι, 'to become, to be generated'); thus, 'only-generated' or 'only one of a kind.' Root: μόν- + -γενής.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, μονογενής primarily described an only child (especially an only son), but could also refer to a unique or unmatched entity. In the Septuagint, it frequently translates Hebrew yāḥîd, which means an only or beloved child. In the New Testament, the term can refer to both biological 'only child' and—in theological contexts—a unique or singular relationship (not necessarily entailing physical birth or generation). Traditional English translations often render μονογενής as 'only begotten,' but most modern scholarship recognizes that the emphasis is on uniqueness rather than the act of begetting or generation. It does not intrinsically imply a derivational relationship, but rather the quality of being unique, one of a kind, or sole in its category. Not limited to familial relationships, the word is also used of unique animals, objects, or roles. Distinct from πρωτοτόκος, which means 'firstborn.' In some philosophical and theological texts, μονογενής acquires a specialized, technical sense of 'uniquely generated' or 'one and only.'

Translation Consistency

primary "only" 7 occurrences

"Only" best captures the typical and natural English rendering of μονογενής across contexts (e.g. "only son/child," "one and only"). It is the most common, idiomatic choice in English Bibles (avoiding the technical/archaic feel of "begotten") and covers both familial and broader senses of uniqueness, ensuring consistent, natural translation for all forms of this lemma.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"unique one" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μόνος and γίνομαι; only-born, i.e. sole:--only (begotten, child).

Root Family

μονογενής (monogenēs) — only, unique, sole, one of a kind

Root μονογενης only, unique, sole, one of a kind

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3439-02 μονογενὴς monogenes ADJ.S NOM M SG only only one only one 4
G3439-01 μονογενῆ monogene ADJ.R ACC M SG only begotten only one only one 3
G3439-03 μονογενοῦς monogenous ADJ.S GEN M SG only begotten of the unique one of the unique one 2

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3439-02 Luke 7:12 μονογενὴς monogenes ADJ.S NOM M SG only only one only one
G3439-02 Luke 8:42 μονογενὴς monogenes ADJ.S NOM F SG only only one only one
G3439-02 Luke 9:38 μονογενής monogenes ADJ.P NOM M SG only only one only one
G3439-03 John 1:14 μονογενοῦς monogenous ADJ.S GEN M SG only begotten of the unique one of the unique one
G3439-02 John 1:18 μονογενὴς monogenes ADJ.S NOM M SG only begotten only one only one
G3439-01 John 3:16 μονογενῆ monogene ADJ.R ACC M SG only begotten only one only one
G3439-03 John 3:18 μονογενοῦς monogenous ADJ.S GEN M SG only begotten of the unique one of the unique one
G3439-01 Hebrews 11:17 μονογενῆ monogene ADJ.S ACC M SG only begotten only one only one
G3439-01 1 John 4:9 μονογενῆ monogene ADJ.R ACC M SG only begotten only one only one
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