Only Begotten (μονογενής)

The Greek word often translated “only begotten” (μονογενής), does not relate to birth. Beget (γεννάω) means to bring something into existence. Monogenes (μονογενής) is derived from two Greek words: mono (μόνος), meaning “only,” and genos (γένος), meaning “kind.” Together, these two words convey a meaning of “one of a kind”.

When God the Father expressed love toward the world by giving His Son, the Son is not described as coming into existence at that time. Beget (γεννάω) is the term that means “to birth” or “bring into existence” (Matthew 1:1). However, God the Father did not beget the Son into existence at any time, including through His incarnation. The Son of God has always existed (John 1:1). As an expression of love towards the inhabited world, the Father sent the Son to be wrapped in flesh and serve as their Savior. For thus the God loved the world, so that He gave His one-of-a-kind Son, in order that all the ones believing in Him should not perish, but have eternal life—John 3:16.

Isaac is recognized as Abraham’s one-of-a-kind son, not his only son (Hebrews 11:17). Ishmael was Abraham’s firstborn child. However, unlike Isaac, he was not born according to the promise God gave Abraham. Ishmael’s mother was Hagar, Sarah’s handmaiden, who she gave to Abraham to produce an heir (Genesis 16:3). What makes Isaac unique is that he is the only son of promise. Paul uses Hagar and Ishmael as an allegory in Galatians 4:24, illustrating the difference between law and faith.

Monogenes (μονογενής) is often used regarding an only child. During Christ’s early ministry when He was showing signs to Israel, including healing the sick, a centurion came to Jesus, asking to heal his servant (Luke 7:2-3). After healing the centurion’s servant, Jesus entered the city of Nain. As He and His disciples approached the city, a dead man was being carried out—the only son of his mother, who was a widow (Luke 7:1). Moved with compassion, Jesus resuscitated her son (Luke 7:14-15).

When God the Son was wrapped in flesh, humans beheld a proper opinion of the one-of-a-kind of the Father (John 1:18). No one has the ability to see Deity with full discernment. However, through the one-of-a-kind Son, the Father’s essence and character are declared.

In John 1:18, there is a textual variant that impacts some translations. A few manuscripts have “one-of-a-kind God,”, while the majority of manuscripts use “one-of-a-kind Son.” Although this article is not focused on textual variances, it is important to understand why there are different readings, depending upon which English version you prefer.

When we properly translate Monogenes (μονογενής), the heretical idea implied by a misuse of this verse—that the Son of God was birth—loses its support. Manuscript evidence overwhelmingly supports the reading “one-of-a-kind Son”. However, even “one-of-a-kind God” simply implies that the Son is unique, not His being birthed. His uniqueness is consistent with the truth that each Person of the Godhead is uniquely different in Person, yet One in Divine Essence. Nonetheless, the correct reading is “one-of-a-kind Son.”

In this, the love of God was manifested: He sent His one-of-a-kind Son into the world that we should live through Him (1 John 4:9). It was not our love for God, but His love for us that led Him to send the Son to be a propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). Therefore, since God loved us in this way, we are obligated to love other Christians (1 John 4:11).

Salvation comes through believing that Jesus Christ died on behalf of our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again three days later, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Believe, and you will be saved!