Understanding the Debate Over "Only Begotten" in Biblical Translation
Μονογενής = ‘only begotten’?
What Does Monogenes Really Mean?
The translation and interpretation of the Greek word monogenes have been the subject of much theological discussion, particularly when it comes to understanding Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father. Historically, monogenes was often translated as “only begotten,” but modern scholarship has largely moved away from this rendering.
The Modern Scholarly Consensus
Today, most scholars agree that monogenes is better translated as “unique” or “one of a kind.” The prevailing view is that monogenes comes from monos (“only”) and genos (“kind”), not from gennao (“to beget”). This distinction is crucial, as it shifts the emphasis away from biological descent and instead highlights the uniqueness and special status of Jesus as the Son of God.
Addressing Misunderstandings About "Begotten"Some groups have attempted to link the term “begotten” with arguments suggesting that Jesus was a created being, often pointing to His titles as “firstborn” or “only begotten.” While it is true that Jesus is the firstborn and only begotten Son of the Father, these titles do not imply that He was created. Instead, they emphasize His preeminence and special role in God’s plan.
The term “firstborn” often signifies status, authority, or a special position, rather than chronological birth order. This understanding is important for grasping the meaning of monogenes in context.
Biblical Usage and Context
The word monogenes is used sparingly in the New Testament:
An important point in understanding the distinction between monogenes and procreation is that the New Testament consistently uses gennao to describe ordinary biological processes, such as giving birth or becoming a parent. As shown in the New Testament usage chart, gennao is rendered in terms like “born,” “begotten,” and “the father of,” all of which explicitly reference physical birth or descent. This consistent usage of gennao for procreation further separates it from monogenes, reinforcing that monogenes should be understood as “unique” or “one of a kind” rather than implying physical begetting.
Old Testament and Apocryphal References
Monogenes is also found in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, where it consistently means “only,” “alone,” or “unique.” Examples include:
Theological Implications
Understanding monogenes as “unique” rather than “only begotten” reinforces the theological truth that Jesus is not a created being. Instead, He is the unique, preeminent Son who embodies God’s essence and authority. This perspective highlights His supreme status over all creation, aligning with biblical teachings about His divine nature.
Jesus, as the firstborn and only begotten Son of the Father, holds a one-of-a-kind position, possessing primacy and preeminence over all creation, both living and dead. Modern translations and interpretations favor “unique” or “one of a kind” to accurately convey this relational and descriptive meaning, emphasizing Jesus’ unparalleled and eternal relationship with the Father.
For a deeper dive into this linguistic and theological debate, refer to the resources provided below.
The translation and interpretation of the Greek word monogenes have been the subject of much theological discussion, particularly when it comes to understanding Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father. Historically, monogenes was often translated as “only begotten,” but modern scholarship has largely moved away from this rendering.
The Modern Scholarly Consensus
Today, most scholars agree that monogenes is better translated as “unique” or “one of a kind.” The prevailing view is that monogenes comes from monos (“only”) and genos (“kind”), not from gennao (“to beget”). This distinction is crucial, as it shifts the emphasis away from biological descent and instead highlights the uniqueness and special status of Jesus as the Son of God.
Addressing Misunderstandings About "Begotten"Some groups have attempted to link the term “begotten” with arguments suggesting that Jesus was a created being, often pointing to His titles as “firstborn” or “only begotten.” While it is true that Jesus is the firstborn and only begotten Son of the Father, these titles do not imply that He was created. Instead, they emphasize His preeminence and special role in God’s plan.
The term “firstborn” often signifies status, authority, or a special position, rather than chronological birth order. This understanding is important for grasping the meaning of monogenes in context.
Biblical Usage and Context
The word monogenes is used sparingly in the New Testament:
- Luke and Hebrews: These authors use monogenes to emphasize that certain individuals were “only” or “unique” children. For example, in Hebrews 11:17, Isaac is called Abraham’s monogenes or “one and only son.” This designation is notable because Isaac was not Abraham’s only child or his firstborn, but he held a unique role as the child of promise through whom God’s covenant would continue.
- The Writings of John: John is the only New Testament author who uses monogenes to describe Jesus (e.g., John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9). He employs the term to highlight Jesus’ one-of-a-kind relationship with God the Father, emphasizing His divine nature and unparalleled status.
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An important point in understanding the distinction between monogenes and procreation is that the New Testament consistently uses gennao to describe ordinary biological processes, such as giving birth or becoming a parent. As shown in the New Testament usage chart, gennao is rendered in terms like “born,” “begotten,” and “the father of,” all of which explicitly reference physical birth or descent. This consistent usage of gennao for procreation further separates it from monogenes, reinforcing that monogenes should be understood as “unique” or “one of a kind” rather than implying physical begetting.
Old Testament and Apocryphal References
Monogenes is also found in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, where it consistently means “only,” “alone,” or “unique.” Examples include:
- Judges 11:34: Jephthah’s daughter is referred to as his “only” child.
- Psalms: The term appears in Psalm 22:20 (“only life”), Psalm 25:16 (“only”), and Psalm 35:17 (“unique”).
- Wisdom of Solomon 7:22: The term means “unique.”
- Tobit 3:15 and 8:17: The word signifies “only” in reference to children.
- Psalm of Solomon 18:4: It describes a “firstborn unique son.”
- Book of Odes 14:13: The phrase “only fathered Son” appears, reinforcing the idea of uniqueness.
Theological Implications
Understanding monogenes as “unique” rather than “only begotten” reinforces the theological truth that Jesus is not a created being. Instead, He is the unique, preeminent Son who embodies God’s essence and authority. This perspective highlights His supreme status over all creation, aligning with biblical teachings about His divine nature.
Jesus, as the firstborn and only begotten Son of the Father, holds a one-of-a-kind position, possessing primacy and preeminence over all creation, both living and dead. Modern translations and interpretations favor “unique” or “one of a kind” to accurately convey this relational and descriptive meaning, emphasizing Jesus’ unparalleled and eternal relationship with the Father.
For a deeper dive into this linguistic and theological debate, refer to the resources provided below.
| what_are_the_translations_of_the_greek_word_μονογενής_in_ancient_versions.pdf |
| updated-begotten-vs-unique.pdf |