What Does “Begat” Mean in the Bible? A Simple Biblical Explanation

If you’ve ever read through the genealogies in the Bible—especially in Genesis or Matthew—you’ve likely come across the word “begat” again and again. For many modern readers, the term feels outdated, repetitive, or even confusing. So what does begat actually mean in the Bible, and why does Scripture use it so often?

Let’s break it down in a clear, simple way and uncover why this small word carries more meaning than it first appears.

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Definition of “Begat” in the Bible

In the Bible, the word “begat” means “to father,” “to bring forth,” or “to produce offspring.” In plain terms, when the Bible says “A begat B,” it is telling us that A became the father of B or that B came from A’s family line.

The word comes from:

• The Hebrew word yalad, meaning “to bear” or “to bring forth”
• The Greek word gennaō, meaning “to generate” or “to give birth to”

Both words emphasize origin, descent, and continuation, not merely biological reproduction.

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How the Word “Begat” Is Used in Scripture

“Begat” appears most frequently in genealogical passages, where the Bible traces family lines across generations. You’ll often see long sequences like:

“And Adam begat Seth, and Seth begat Enos…” (Genesis 5:3–6)

To modern readers, this repetition may feel unnecessary. But in biblical culture, genealogies served an essential purpose:

• They established identity
• They confirmed inheritance rights
• They preserved God’s covenant line

In other words, “begat” is not filler—it’s foundational.

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What Does “Begat” Mean in Genesis?

The book of Genesis uses “begat” extensively, especially in chapters 5, 10, and 11. These genealogies trace humanity from Adam to Noah, and later from Noah to Abraham.

Here, “begat” highlights:

• The continuity of human history
• The preservation of God’s promises through specific family lines
• The unfolding of God’s plan across generations

Genesis is not just telling us who came from whom—it is showing us how God works through time, families, and lineage.

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What Does “Begat” Mean in Matthew?

Matthew chapter 1 opens the New Testament with a genealogy that many readers are tempted to skip. Yet Matthew intentionally uses this structure to make a powerful point.

“Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob…” (Matthew 1:2)

By using “begat,” Matthew connects Jesus directly to:

• Abraham, the father of faith
• David, the promised king

This genealogy establishes Jesus’ legal and covenantal lineage, showing that He is the rightful heir to God’s promises. Here, “begat” underscores fulfillment, not mere ancestry.

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Does “Begat” Always Mean Physical Fatherhood?

Not always.

In biblical usage, “begat” can indicate:

• Direct biological descent
• Legal fatherhood
• Ancestral or generational connection

For example, genealogies may skip generations or compress family lines. The focus is not always on immediate parentage, but on belonging to a specific family line.

This is why some genealogies differ slightly across books—they are emphasizing purpose, not modern record-keeping precision.

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Why Biblical Genealogies Matter

Biblical genealogies—and the word “begat” within them—serve several vital roles:

• They demonstrate God’s faithfulness across generations
• They anchor biblical events in real history
• They reveal how God fulfills promises over time

Each “begat” is a reminder that God’s plan moves forward, one generation at a time.

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Spiritual Lessons from the Word “Begat”

Beyond history, “begat” carries spiritual weight.

It teaches us that:

• Faith is often passed down, not discovered in isolation
• God values legacy and continuity
• Every individual matters in God’s unfolding plan

No name in a genealogy is accidental. Each one represents a life through which God worked.

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Modern Bible Translations and the Word “Begat”

Many modern Bible translations replace “begat” with phrases like:

• “was the father of”
• “became the father of”

This change isn’t a loss of meaning—it’s a shift toward clarity. The original idea remains the same: origin, lineage, and continuation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About “Begat”

Is the word “begat” still relevant today?
Yes. While the word is old, the concept it conveys—origin and continuity—remains essential to understanding Scripture.

Why does the Bible repeat genealogies?
Because lineage establishes identity, covenant, and fulfillment of God’s promises.

Does “begat” imply authority or ownership?
It implies connection and responsibility, not ownership in a modern sense.

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Final Thoughts

So, what does begat mean in the Bible? Simply put, it means to bring forth, to father, or to originate a family line. But spiritually, it reminds us that God works through generations, faithfully carrying His purposes forward.

The next time you encounter a genealogy, don’t skip it. Every “begat” tells a story of God’s enduring plan—one life at a time.