The Greek word artigénnētos, represented by G738, means just born. It is a compound word derived from ἄρτι (just) and γεννητός (born). It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, where it is used figuratively to describe a young convert.
The sole appearance of G738 is in 1 Peter 2:2, where believers are instructed, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." In this context, the word establishes a powerful metaphor. It portrays the new believer as being in the earliest stage of spiritual life, analogous to a physically newborn infant. This state implies a complete dependence on a specific kind of nourishment for survival and development. The term is immediately paired with "babes" G1025 to complete the image of vulnerability and need.
Several related Greek words from its context in 1 Peter 2:2 illuminate the meaning of G738:
- G1025 bréphos (an infant (properly, unborn) literally or figuratively:--babe, (young) child, infant): This word, used for literal infants like the baby Jesus in the manger Luke 2:12, is used figuratively alongside G738 to emphasize the new believer's state.
- G1971 epipothéō (to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully):--(earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust): This describes the intense, instinctual craving the "newborn" believer should have for spiritual nourishment 1 Peter 2:2.
- G1051 gála (milk (figuratively):--milk): This is the specific nourishment required by the newborn. It represents foundational spiritual truth, contrasted elsewhere with "strong meat" for the more mature Hebrews 5:12-13.
- G837 auxánō (to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive):--grow (up), (give the) increase): This is the purpose for desiring the spiritual milk. The intended result of this nourishment is growth 1 Peter 2:2, a theme echoed in calls to grow in grace and knowledge 2 Peter 3:18.
The theological significance of G738 is concentrated in its single usage, establishing a model for the initial phase of the Christian life.
- The State of the New Convert: The term defines a new believer as spiritually "just born." This implies a break from a past life and the beginning of a new one, characterized by dependence and the potential for growth.
- The Nature of Spiritual Nourishment: The newborn's object of desire is the "sincere milk of the word" 1 Peter 2:2. This nourishment is described as ádolos G97, meaning undeceitful or unadulterated, and logikós G3050, meaning rational or of the word. It is the pure, foundational teaching necessary for life.
- The Imperative to Grow: The metaphor is not static; it is a call to action. The newborn must intensely desire this milk in order to grow G837. This links the believer's initial state directly to the ongoing process of spiritual maturation.
In summary, G738 artigénnētos, while appearing only once, provides a cornerstone metaphor in scripture. It vividly illustrates the condition of a new believer as being like a newborn infant. This single word encapsulates their complete dependence, their innate need for pure spiritual nourishment, and the ultimate goal of their new life: to grow in their faith.
TRV