from πάλιν and γένεσις; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e. (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specially, Messianic restoration:--regeneration.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **palingenesía**, represented by `{{G3824}}`, describes a (spiritual) **rebirth** or **regeneration**. It is defined as a spiritual renovation and, specially, a Messianic restoration. This term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, highlighting its specific and significant meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3824}}` is used in two key contexts. It refers to the spiritual transformation of a believer, where salvation is not achieved by{G1537} **works** `{{G2041}}` of **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, but by God's **mercy** `{{G1656}}` through "the washing{G3067} of **regeneration**" [[Titus 3:5]]. It is also used to describe a future, Messianic restoration, the time "in{G1722} the **regeneration** when{G3752} the Son{G5207} of man{G444} shall sit{G2523} in{G1909} the throne{G2362} of his{G846} glory{G1391}" [[Matthew 19:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the two facets of **regeneration**:
* `{{G3067}}` **loutrón** (a bath, i.e. (figuratively), baptism): This word is used in conjunction with `{{G3824}}` to form the phrase "washing{G3067} of **regeneration**," directly linking the concept of spiritual rebirth to a cleansing act [[Titus 3:5]].
* `{{G342}}` **anakaínōsis** (renovation): Paired immediately with **regeneration**, this term emphasizes the renewal that accompanies it, specifically the "renewing{G342} of the Holy{G40} Ghost{G4151}" [[Titus 3:5]].
* `{{G2362}}` **thrónos** (a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate): This word establishes the context for the Messianic aspect of **regeneration**, a future time when the Son of man sits on his **throne**, and his followers are promised authority, judging{G2919} the twelve{G1427} tribes{G5443} of Israel{G2474} [[Matthew 19:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3824}}` is significant, encompassing both personal salvation and eschatological hope.
* **Spiritual Rebirth:** `{{G3824}}` defines the basis of salvation as a spiritual renovation. It is an act of God's **mercy** `{{G1656}}`, not a result of human **works** `{{G2041}}` of **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` that **we** `{{G2249}}` have done{G4160} [[Titus 3:5]].
* **Messianic Restoration:** The term points to a future restoration of all things. This is the era when **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` has promised that those who have followed{G190} Him will sit{G2523} on **thrones** `{{G2362}}` in His glorified kingdom [[Matthew 19:28]].
* **Work of the Holy Spirit:** The act of personal **regeneration** is explicitly accomplished through "renewing{G342} of the Holy{G40} **Ghost** `{{G4151}}`," identifying the Holy Spirit as the agent of this divine transformation [[Titus 3:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3824}}` is a precise term with a dual application. It signifies both the internal, spiritual **rebirth** that a believer experiences through salvation by God's **mercy** [[Titus 3:5]], and the future, cosmic **restoration** that will occur when the Son of man reigns in **glory** [[Matthew 19:28]]. It beautifully captures how salvation is both a present spiritual reality and a future kingdom hope.
TRV