### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀρτιγέννητος (artígénnētos), Strong's number `{{G738}}`, is a compound adjective derived from ἄρτι (arti), meaning "just now" or "recently," and γεννητός (gennētós), meaning "born" or "begotten." Literally, it describes something that is "just born" or "newly born." Its core semantic range encompasses the state of being freshly brought into existence or a new state. In its sole biblical occurrence, it is used figuratively to denote a spiritual "newborn" or "young convert," emphasizing the recency of their spiritual birth and the initial stage of their new life in Christ. This figurative usage highlights a state of spiritual infancy, marked by vulnerability, dependence, and a fundamental need for nourishment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀρτιγέννητος appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of 1 Peter:
* [[1 Peter 2:2]]: "like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—"
In this verse, Peter addresses believers, whom he has previously described as having been "born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God" ([[1 Peter 1:23]]). The imagery of "newborn infants" (ἀρτιγέννητος βρέφη) is crucial. It underscores the fresh reality of their regeneration and immediately follows an exhortation to "put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander" ([[1 Peter 2:1]]). Just as physical newborns are utterly dependent and crave milk for sustenance and growth, so too are spiritual newborns called to intensely desire "pure spiritual milk," which is the unadulterated Word of God. This longing is presented not as an option but as an essential necessity for their continued spiritual development, leading them "into salvation." The context thus emphasizes the initial state of the Christian life, marked by a recent spiritual birth, a need for foundational nourishment, and a call to shed old sinful behaviors.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀρτιγέννητος is illuminated by its constituent parts and related theological concepts:
* **ἄρτι (arti) `{{G737}}`**: This adverb signifies "just now" or "recently," reinforcing the immediate and fresh nature of the "birth." It emphasizes that the spiritual birth is a recent, transformative event.
* **γεννάω (gennaō) `{{G1080}}`**: The verb from which γεννητός is derived, meaning "to beget," "to give birth," or "to be born." This root underpins the concept of generation and new life.
* **ἀναγεννάω (anagennaō) `{{G308}}`**: Meaning "to be born again" or "to regenerate," this verb is used by Peter in [[1 Peter 1:3]] and [[1 Peter 1:23]] to describe the spiritual transformation believers undergo. ἀρτιγέννητος directly reflects the outcome of this divine act of regeneration.
* **βρέφος (brephos) `{{G1025}}`**: This noun means "infant" or "baby." While βρέφος can refer to any young child (e.g., [[Luke 1:41]], [[Luke 18:15]]), the addition of ἀρτιγέννητος specifies the *newness* of the infant, distinguishing it from an older child or a more mature believer (cf. spiritual "children" or "adults" in [[1 Corinthians 3:1]], [[Hebrews 5:13-14]]).
* **Spiritual Milk vs. Solid Food**: The metaphor of "milk" for the "newborn" contrasts with "solid food" for the mature (e.g., [[Hebrews 5:12-14]], [[1 Corinthians 3:2]]). This highlights the progressive nature of spiritual growth from foundational truths to deeper doctrines.
* **New Creation**: The concept of being "newly born" aligns with the broader biblical theme of the "new creation" in Christ ([[2 Corinthians 5:17]], [[Galatians 6:15]]), where believers are transformed and given a new identity and life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀρτιγέννητος is profound, particularly in its singular occurrence in [[1 Peter 2:2]]:
* **Reality of Regeneration**: The term powerfully affirms the reality and recency of the believer's spiritual regeneration. It is not merely a change in behavior or belief, but a radical, divine act of being "born again" ([[John 3:3-8]]). This new birth marks the true beginning of the Christian life.
* **Fundamental Need for Nourishment**: By likening believers to "newborn infants," the word highlights their absolute dependence on spiritual nourishment. Just as a physical infant cannot survive without milk, a spiritual newborn cannot thrive without the "pure spiritual milk" of God's Word. This underscores the essential role of Scripture in the believer's life.
* **Emphasis on Growth**: The purpose of desiring milk is "that by it you may grow up into salvation." This indicates that spiritual birth is not the end goal, but the initiation of a lifelong process of growth toward spiritual maturity and the full experience of salvation. It challenges the believer to actively pursue growth.
* **Purity and Dependence**: The imagery evokes a sense of purity and utter dependence. Newborns are innocent and completely reliant on their caregivers. Spiritually, this implies a call to shed the impurities of sin ([[1 Peter 2:1]]) and to rely wholly on God for sustenance and development, rather than on self or worldly wisdom.
* **Universal Experience**: The use of "newborn infants" suggests a common, initial experience for all believers, regardless of their background or prior religious experience. All who are born again begin as spiritual infants, necessitating humility and a willingness to learn.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀρτιγέννητος (artígénnētos), meaning "just born" or "newly born," is a precise term used in [[1 Peter 2:2]] to describe believers as "newborn infants." This singular biblical occurrence carries significant theological weight, emphasizing the fresh reality of spiritual regeneration and the subsequent, immediate need for pure spiritual nourishment, which is identified as the Word of God. The term highlights the initial stage of the Christian life, characterized by a recent divine birth, profound dependence on God, and an imperative for continuous spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder that all believers, having been born anew, must actively desire and consume the foundational truths of Scripture to mature in their faith and progress "into salvation."
TRV