BEGOTTEN
What Is the Meaning of the Term "Begotten" in the Bible?
Literally, this term has to do with the implantation of seed by which a child is conceived. The word is used in Scripture figuratively to illustrate the spiritual agency, namely the word of God, by which one becomes a believer in Christ. When Paul preached the gospel to the people of Corinth (Acts 18:5ff; cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-4), leading to their conversion (Acts 18:8), he is said to have "begotten" these folks (1 Cor. 4:15; see 1 Pet. 1:23).
When faith acts in obedience to other commands (e.g., repentance and baptism; cf. Acts 2:38), the person has been "born" anew (Jn. 3:3-5) and may be characterized as someone "begotten [or born] of God" (1 Jn. 5:1 ASV/KJV) -- God's child.
When faith acts in obedience to other commands (e.g., repentance and baptism; cf. Acts 2:38), the person has been "born" anew (Jn. 3:3-5) and may be characterized as someone "begotten [or born] of God" (1 Jn. 5:1 ASV/KJV) -- God's child.
