Lexical Summary teknogonia: Childbearing Original Word: τεκνογονία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance childbearing. From the same as teknogoneo; childbirth (parentage), i.e. (by implication) maternity (the performance of maternal duties) -- childbearing. see GREEK teknogoneo HELPS Word-studies 5042 teknogonía – properly, childbearing (used only in 1 Tim 2:15). (1 Tim 2:15) she shall be saved through (dia) childbearing (5042 /teknogonía) – literally, "through the childbearing." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as teknogoneó Definition childbearing NASB Translation bearing of children (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5042: τεκνογονίατεκνογονία, τεκνογονίας, ἡ, child-bearing: 1 Timothy 2:15. (Aristotle, h. a. 7, 1, 8 (p. 582{a}, 28).) Topical Lexicon Biblical Usage The term appears once in the New Testament, in Paul’s instructions to Timothy: “But women will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control” (1 Timothy 2:15). The statement links the ordinary event of bringing children into the world with the ongoing life of faith, situating motherhood within the larger drama of redemption. Theological Significance of Childbearing and Salvation 1 Timothy 2:15 affirms that God’s saving purposes touch every sphere of life, including the domestic realm. Paul is not teaching that the physical act of giving birth earns eternal life; rather, he sets motherhood within a framework of persevering faith. Salvation is “by grace…through faith” (Ephesians 2:8–9), yet that faith displays itself in concrete vocations. Childbearing, for many women, becomes a divinely appointed arena in which faith, love, holiness, and self-control mature and bear fruit. From Genesis onward, the promise of redemption is intertwined with offspring. After the fall, the woman hears both the pain of labor and the prophecy of a victorious seed (Genesis 3:15–16). That promise narrows through Abraham (Genesis 12:7), Isaac (Genesis 26:4), Jacob (Genesis 28:14), and David (2 Samuel 7:12–13), until it finds fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:4). Thus, Paul’s reference to childbearing echoes the entire redemptive storyline that moves from Eve to Mary. Childbearing in the Wider Canon • Sarah’s conception of Isaac (Genesis 21:1–7) underscores God’s power and faithfulness. The recurring theme: God advances His purposes through children given in answer to promise and prayer. Motherhood is therefore presented as a sacred trust, a means by which future generations hear of the Lord’s mighty acts (Psalm 78:5–7). Historical and Cultural Background In both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, fertility was prized, yet often fraught with medical danger and social pressure. Against pagan cults that sought protection in Artemis of Ephesus—patroness of childbirth—Paul directs women to the true Savior. Dependency shifts from ritualized superstition to persevering trust in Christ, expressed through everyday family life. Christological Fulfillment The redemptive arc converges on the incarnation: “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). Mary’s willing submission—“Behold, the servant of the Lord; may it be unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)—models faith-filled motherhood and ties childbearing irrevocably to the gospel itself. By entering the world through a woman, the Son of God dignifies pregnancy, birth, and nurture. Implications for Ecclesial Life 1. Affirmation of motherhood. The church honors those who labor in the hidden, demanding work of raising children (Proverbs 31:27–30). Applications for Family Ministry • Encourage expectant and new mothers with Scriptural promises (Psalm 139:13–16). Pastoral Counsel For women unable to conceive, Scripture offers both lament (Psalm 113:9) and hope: spiritual fruitfulness is not limited to biology. The same qualities Paul commends—faith, love, holiness, self-control—flourish in every believer’s calling, whether through physical motherhood, adoption, singleness, or ministry to the body of Christ. Missionary Perspective Malachi 2:15 speaks of God “seeking godly offspring.” Evangelism begins at home; parents who nurture children in the discipline and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) contribute to global disciple-making. Generations yet unborn “will arise and praise the LORD” (Psalm 102:18). Summary Strong’s 5042 highlights more than an ancient term; it draws attention to God’s gracious design whereby ordinary family life becomes an arena for extraordinary grace. In Christ, motherhood attains eternal significance, and the gospel transforms the cradle into a strategic outpost of the kingdom. Forms and Transliterations τεκνογονιας τεκνογονίας teknogonias teknogoníasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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