The Greek word anagennáō, represented by G313, means to beget or (by extension) bear (again). It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses. This term specifically describes a spiritual rebirth, a divine act of bringing someone into a new state of existence.
In its biblical usage, G313 is central to the concept of salvation. It is used to describe God the Father, who through his "abundant mercy" G1656, has begotten us again to a "lively hope" G1680 through Christ's resurrection 1 Peter 1:3. The term is also used to contrast this new life with physical life, explaining that believers are born again not from corruptible G5349 seed, but from incorruptible G862 seed through the living and abiding word G3056 of God 1 Peter 1:23.
Several related words expand upon the nature of this new birth:
- G1656 éleos (mercy): This term, meaning "compassion (human or divine, especially active)," highlights that the act of being begotten again is not earned but is a result of God's abundant compassion 1 Peter 1:3.
- G1680 elpís (hope): Defined as "expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence," this is the outcome of the new birth, providing believers with a living confidence rooted in the resurrection 1 Peter 1:3.
- G862 áphthartos (incorruptible): This word, meaning "undecaying (in essence or continuance)," describes the nature of the "seed" of the new birth, emphasizing its eternal and imperishable quality in contrast to physical parentage 1 Peter 1:23.
- G3056 lógos (word): Defined as "something said (including the thought)," this is identified as the means by which the incorruptible new birth is accomplished, identifying the word of God as the life-giving agent 1 Peter 1:23.
The theological weight of G313 is significant, establishing key doctrines of salvation:
- A Divine Act of Mercy: The new birth is an act initiated solely by God the Father. It is not a human effort but a result of His "abundant mercy" 1 Peter 1:3.
- A Resurrection-Powered Hope: Being begotten again results in a "lively hope" G1680. This hope is a confident expectation secured by the power of Christ's resurrection G386 from the dead 1 Peter 1:3.
- An Incorruptible Source: The new birth originates from an eternal, non-perishable source. It is accomplished "by the word of God" G3056, which is described as an incorruptible G862 seed that lives and abides forever 1 Peter 1:23.
In summary, G313 is not simply about a second chance but about a complete, divine recreation. It defines the moment a believer is brought into a new, spiritual existence by the mercy G1656 of God. This act provides a living hope G1680 and establishes a new identity based on the eternal and incorruptible G862 word G3056 of God, all made possible by Christ's resurrection G386.
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