### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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