### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **génesis**, represented by `{{G1078}}`, refers to **nativity** or, figuratively, **nature**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's meaning ranges from a historical account of lineage to the fundamental state or course of a person's life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical uses, `{{G1078}}` carries two distinct meanings. It is used to establish the ancestry of Jesus Christ in "The **book** of the **generation** of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham" [[Matthew 1:1]]. In contrast, the book of James uses the word to describe the inherent condition of humanity. A person who hears the word but doesn't act is compared to someone seeing their **natural** face in a glass [[James 1:23]]. It is also used to describe the "course of **nature**," which can be set on fire by the tongue [[James 3:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G1078}}` is used:
* `{{G976}}` **bíblos** (book): This refers to a scroll or sheet of writing. It is the object that contains the "generation" or lineage of Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:1]].
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): This word for "son" is essential to the meaning of `{{G1078}}` in Matthew, where the "generation" is that of Jesus, the **son** of David and the **son** of Abraham [[Matthew 1:1]].
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (word): Meaning "something said," this term is set in contrast to a person's "natural" state. Hearing the **word** without doing it is compared to seeing one's **natural** (génesis) face [[James 1:23]].
* `{{G11}}` **Abraám** (Abraham): As the Hebrew patriarch, his name is foundational to the lineage of Christ. The "generation" recorded in Matthew begins by identifying Jesus as the son of **Abraham** [[Matthew 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1078}}` is seen in its different applications:
* **Genealogy of Christ:** The word is used to introduce the entire gospel of Matthew, establishing the historical and covenantal lineage of Jesus. "The **book** of the **generation** of Jesus Christ" [[Matthew 1:1]] anchors the New Testament narrative in Old Testament prophecy and history.
* **The Natural State:** `{{G1078}}` is used to define the un-transformed human condition. A hearer of the word who doesn't obey is like someone looking at their **natural** face, implying a state of being that is only physical or temporal before spiritual action is taken [[James 1:23]].
* **The Cycle of Existence:** The phrase "course of **nature**" [[James 3:6]] uses `{{G1078}}` to describe the entire span of human life from birth. The passage warns that this entire cycle can be corrupted and set aflame by the uncontrolled tongue, showing the pervasive power of sin over one's life.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1078}}` provides a concept with both historical and practical dimensions. It is used to record the most important nativity in history—the **generation** of Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:1]]—while also serving as a term for the fundamental **nature** and course of human life ([[James 1:23]], [[James 3:6]]). The word bridges the gap between messianic lineage and personal, moral conduct.
TRV