### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **υἱός (huiós)**, represented by `{{G5207}}`, is a key term for **son**. It appears **382 times** across **348 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its importance. Its definition is a "son" (sometimes of animals), and it is used very widely for immediate, remote, or figurative kinship, and can also be translated as child or foal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5207}}` is used in multiple significant contexts. It denotes direct, physical lineage, as when an angel announces to Zacharias that he will have a **son** [[Luke 1:13]], and establishes Jesus' human ancestry as the **son** of David and **son** of Abraham [[Matthew 1:1]]. The term also describes animals, such as the **foal** of an ass [[Matthew 21:5]]. Figuratively, it describes a relationship with God, where believers are called **children** of God [[Matthew 5:9]] or **sons** of God [[Romans 8:14]]. Most centrally, it is used for the divine identity of Jesus as the only begotten **Son** of God [[John 3:16]], a truth affirmed by the Father's own voice from heaven [[Matthew 17:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the concept of sonship:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (father): As the direct counterpart to **son**, this word is essential for understanding their mutual relationship. Their unique connection is shown where only the **Father** knows the **Son**, and only the **Son** knows the **Father** [[Matthew 11:27]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brother): This term defines a relationship of kinship. It is used to describe believers in relation to Christ, who is the "firstborn among many **brethren**" [[Romans 8:29]].
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to beget, be born): This verb describes the act of becoming a **son**. It is used of God **begetting** the Son [[Hebrews 1:5]] and of Elisabeth who shall **bear** a **son** [[Luke 1:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5207}}` is immense, defining both Christ's identity and the believer's new status.
* **Divine Sonship:** The title establishes the unique divine identity of Jesus Christ. He is declared to be the "only begotten **Son**" [[John 3:16]], the "**Son** of the living God" [[Matthew 16:16]], and the one in whom the Father is "well pleased" [[Matthew 17:5]]. Belief in Him as the **Son** of God is the path to eternal life [[John 20:31]].
* **Adoptive Sonship:** The concept extends to believers, who become "**sons** of God" through faith and by being led by the Spirit [[Romans 8:14]]. This adoptive status makes believers heirs of God through Christ [[Galatians 4:7]].
* **Redemptive Mission:** As the **Son**, Jesus has a specific mission. He came to "seek and to save that which was lost" [[Luke 19:10]], to give his life as a "ransom for many" [[Matthew 20:28]], and to "destroy the works of the devil" [[1 John 3:8]]. God sent His **Son** not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him [[John 3:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5207}}` **huiós** transcends its simple definition of a male offspring. It is a vital term that defines relationships on multiple levels: human lineage [[Matthew 1:1]], spiritual adoption for believers [[Romans 8:14]], and most importantly, the divine identity and redemptive mission of Jesus Christ as the **Son** of God [[John 3:16]]. The word carries immense theological weight, forming the foundation for understanding salvation, inheritance, and the very nature of the relationship between God the Father and God the Son.
TRV