Lexical Summary genete: Birth, Origin Original Word: γενέτη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance birth. Feminine of a presumed derivative of the base of genea; birth -- birth. see GREEK genea Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1079: γενετήγενετή, γενετῆς, ἡ (ΓΑΝΩ, γίνομαι) (cf. German dieGewordenheit), birth; hence, very often ἐκ γενετῆς from birth on (Homer, Iliad 24, 535; Aristotle, eth. Nic. 6, 13, 1, p. 1144b, 6 etc.; Polybius 3, 20, 4; Diodorus 5, 32, others; the Sept. Leviticus 25:47): John 9:1. Topical Lexicon Word Overview The term denotes an original state “from birth,” emphasizing a condition that has existed since the moment of one’s entrance into the world, without any intervening human cause or later development. Occurrences and Translation John 9:1 is the sole New Testament occurrence: “As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth” (Berean Standard Bible). English versions render the term “from birth,” “from his birth,” or “congenital,” each reflecting the idea of an innate, lifelong condition. Historical-Cultural Background In first-century Judaism a congenital disability often carried social stigma, sometimes linked to assumptions of parental sin or individual prenatal sin (John 9:2). Beggars with such conditions were common at temple gates (Acts 3:2) and city streets, where public alms were their primary support. The condition described by the term thus marks both physical impairment and social marginalization that only divine intervention could overcome. Theology of Sin and Suffering The disciples’ question in John 9:2 reveals a prevalent belief that physical affliction is retributive. Jesus rejects that premise, declaring that the man’s blindness occurred “that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). The single occurrence of the word therefore becomes a key text in forming a biblical doctrine of suffering: Messianic Revelation in the Healing Sign Isaiah foretold that in the messianic age “the eyes of the blind will be opened” (Isaiah 35:5; 42:7). By healing a man blind “from birth,” Jesus unmistakably signals His messianic identity. Unlike other blind men who once had sight (Mark 8:22-25), this man had never perceived light. The sign therefore surpasses Old Testament precedents, paralleling the creative act in Genesis 1:3 and prefiguring spiritual new-creation language in 2 Corinthians 4:6. Intertextual Connections Although the term itself appears only once, Scripture frequently addresses congenital states: These passages combine to show that what begins at birth—whether weakness, consecration, or depravity—reveals humanity’s need for divine intervention. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Compassionate Outreach: Following Jesus, believers are to see rather than overlook those living with lifelong disabilities, offering tangible help (James 2:15-16) and gospel hope. Patristic and Historical Commentary Early church writers highlight the miracle’s creative dimension. Irenaeus saw in the healing evidence that the same Logos who formed Adam’s eyes now restored sight to the congenitally blind. Augustine used the event to illustrate prevenient grace: just as the man could not ask for sight, so sinners cannot initiate salvation. Reformation commentators underscored sovereign grace, noting that the man’s congenital blindness erased any claim to merit. Summary Strong’s Greek 1079 underscores the absolute helplessness of a condition present “from birth,” setting the stage for God’s sovereign, creative deliverance in Christ. The lone New Testament usage is therefore pivotal for understanding Christ’s messianic mission, the problem of suffering, and the church’s compassionate mandate. Forms and Transliterations γενετης γενετής γενετῆς genetes genetês genetēs genetē̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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