"Born of God" or "Begotten by God"?: A Translation Problem in the Johannine Writings

Author: Menken, Maarten J.J.¹

Source: Novum Testamentum, Volume 51, Number 4, 2009 , pp. 352-368(17)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

How should the Johannine expression εκ τoυ θεoυ γεννασθαı be translated: as "to be born of God" or as "to be begotten by God"? The article starts with a look at the translation of the relevant Johannine passages in Bible translations and biblical studies, to get an idea of the spread and the influence of the two possible translations. Next, relevant lexical, grammatical and exegetical considerations are presented; these lead to the conclusion that the translation "to be begotten by God" has to be preferred. Finally, some further thoughts on the Johannine idea of divine begetting are developed.

Keywords: JOHN; 1 JOHN; BIBLE TRANSLATION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1163/156853609X435429

Affiliations: 1: Tilburg

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