Original Word: γένεσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: genesis
Pronunciation: GEH-neh-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (ghen'-es-is)
KJV: generation, nature(-ral)
NASB: birth, genealogy, life, natural
Word Origin: [from (a presumed derivative of) G1085 (γένος - kind)]

1. nativity
2. (figuratively) nature

origin, birth, genealogy

From the same as genea; nativity; figuratively, nature -- generation, nature(-ral).

see GREEK genea

Word Origin
from ginomai
Definition
origin, birth
NASB Translation
birth (2), genealogy (1), life (1), natural (1).

STRONGS NT 1078: γένεσις

γένεσις, γενέσεως, ἡ (ΓΑΝΩ (Curtius, § 128)), in Greek writings for the first time in Homer, Iliad 14, 201 (cf. 246);

1. source, origin: βίβλος γενέσεως τίνος a book of one's lineage, i. e. in which his ancestry or his progeny are enumerated (equivalent to תּולְדות סֵפֶר, Genesis 5:1, etc.) (Matthew 1:1).

2. used of birth, nativity, in Matthew 1:18 and Luke 1:14, for Rec. γέννησις (ἡμέραι τῆς γενέσεως μου equivalent to ἀφ' οὗ ἐγεννήθην, Judith 12:18 cf. 20); πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως his native (natural) face, James 1:23.

3. of that which follows origin, viz. existence, life: ὁ τροχός τῆς γενέσεως the wheel (cf. English machinery) of life, James 3:6 (cf. Grimm on Sap. vii. 5); but others explain it the wheel of human origin which as soon as men are born begins to run, i. e. the course (cf. English round) of life.

Overview

Strong’s Greek 1078 gathers the ideas of beginning, birth, lineage, and the entire course of life. It frames both the miraculous origins of Jesus Christ and the everyday “natural face” of humanity. In its five New Testament appearances the term stretches from the opening line of Matthew to James’s warning about the tongue, thus bracketing the gospel narrative and the believer’s moral life.

Old Testament and Jewish Background

Genealogies in Genesis, Numbers, and Chronicles establish covenant identity, land rights, and messianic expectation. In the Septuagint, γένεσις translates Hebrew terms for generation and birth, preparing readers to hear Matthew and Luke announce Jesus as the promised Seed (Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3) whose lineage fulfills prophecy.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• Matthew 1:1 sets the tone: “This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” The word signals that every promise flowing through Abraham and David converges in Jesus.

• Matthew 1:18 moves from lineage to arrival: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way….” Here γένεσις underscores the historical incarnation of the eternal Son.

• Luke 1:14 links John’s delivery to messianic joy: “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth.” John’s γένεσις heralds the greater birth soon to follow.

• James 1:23 employs the term metaphorically for one’s “natural face,” contrasting passive hearing with transformational obedience.

• James 3:6 pictures the “course of one’s life” (τροχὸν τῆς γενέσεως) set ablaze by an unbridled tongue, warning that the entire human span— from birth onward—can be ruined by sinful speech.

Christological Significance

In Matthew, γένεσις demonstrates that Jesus possesses both royal and covenantal credentials. His genealogy validates messianic identity; His virgin birth confirms divine initiative. The term therefore supports the doctrines of the incarnation, the two natures of Christ, and fulfillment of Scripture.

Anthropological Insights

James widens the semantic range to encompass nature and life-course. Humanity’s original design (“natural face”) can be either preserved through obedient faith or distorted by sin. The “wheel” image shows that sin’s damage is not momentary but cyclical and generational.

Ethical and Pastoral Applications

1. Genealogy invites believers to trace God’s providence in their own stories, fostering gratitude for redemptive heritage.
2. Birth imagery underscores the necessity of new birth (John 3:3). Physical γένεσις is insufficient; spiritual regeneration is essential.
3. The “course of life” warns leaders to guard speech, for ministry can ignite holiness or harm across an entire lifespan.
4. Looking into the mirror of the Word (James 1:22-25) must lead to action, lest one forget the true nature bestowed at spiritual birth.

Doctrinal Reflection

• Providence: God directs history from Abraham’s tent to Bethlehem’s manger.
• Incarnation: The eternal Word entered time through a tangible birth.
• Sanctification: Redemption aims to restore the entire “wheel of life,” not merely isolated acts.
• Eschatology: Just as the first advent had a defined γένεσις, the new creation will have a consummated genesis when the Lord returns.

Worship and Ministry Use

Advent readings draw on Matthew 1:1 and 1:18 to celebrate the promised lineage and virgin birth. Baptismal liturgies echo γένεσις language to symbolize new beginnings. Pastoral counseling may employ James’s imagery to address speech ethics and life-patterns.

See Also

Genesis genealogies; Virgin Birth; Regeneration; Tongue—Sin and Sanctification; Providence in Salvation History

γενεσει γενέσει γενέσεις γενέσεσιν γενεσεως γενέσεως γενέσεώς γένεσεώς γενεσις γένεσις γένεσίς genesei genései geneseos geneseōs genéseos genéseōs genesis génesisInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts