begat
An older English word meaning "fathered" or "became the ancestor of," used especially in Bible genealogies.
At a Glance
A translation word used in older English Bibles to describe a man fathering a child or standing in the ancestral line of another person.
Key Points
- Common in biblical genealogies
- Often reflects Hebrew or Greek genealogical formulas
- Can describe direct fatherhood or ancestral descent
- Does not always require every generation to be listed
Description
"Begat" is an older English translation term, found especially in historic Bible versions such as the King James Version, that refers to begetting or fathering and is used mainly in genealogies. In straightforward contexts it indicates that a man fathered a son, but in biblical genealogical style it can also function more broadly for ancestral descent, so a genealogy may compress generations for literary or theological purposes without being inaccurate. Because the term is chiefly a translation word rather than a distinct theological concept, it should be explained plainly and not overread as proof that no generations are omitted.
Biblical Context
The Bible contains extended genealogies in books such as Genesis and in the opening of Matthew. Older English translations commonly render the genealogical verb as "begat."
Historical Context
"Begat" belongs to older English Bible style and is now rarely used in everyday speech. Modern translations usually prefer "fathered," "was the father of," or similar wording.
Jewish and Ancient Context
Ancient Jewish genealogies could serve historical, covenantal, and literary purposes. They sometimes summarize ancestry rather than listing every generation, while still preserving true family lines.
Primary Key Texts
- Genesis 5
- Genesis 11
- Matthew 1
Secondary Key Texts
- 1 Chronicles 1–9
- Ruth 4
- Luke 3
Original Language Note
The term translates Hebrew and Greek genealogical expressions that can mean "fathered" or "became the ancestor of." Older English versions often use "begat" in these settings.
Theological Significance
Biblical genealogies show God’s historical faithfulness, preserve covenant lines, and help locate key persons such as Abraham and David in the unfolding redemptive story.
Philosophical Explanation
The word is a linguistic marker, not a doctrine in itself. Its value lies in how it communicates real historical descent while allowing for the literary conventions of ancient genealogy.
Interpretive Cautions
Do not assume that every genealogical list is exhaustive in modern sense. "Begat" can refer to direct paternity or ancestral descent depending on context.
Major Views
Most readers understand "begat" simply as archaic Bible English. The main interpretive issue is not the word itself but how ancient genealogies should be read.
Doctrinal Boundaries
This entry concerns translation and genealogy, not a separate doctrine of generation or causation. It should not be used to force claims about exact generational count beyond the text.
Practical Significance
The word helps readers understand older Bible translations and read genealogies more accurately without imposing modern expectations on ancient family records.
Related Entries
- genealogy
- genealogy of Jesus
- father
- ancestry
See Also
- beget
- begotten
- descendant
- family line