onlybegotten

Only begotten is an English term used primarily in Christian theology to denote the unique Son of God. The phrase is a translation of the Greek monogenēs, literally meaning "one-born" or "only-born," and it is most commonly applied to Jesus in the New Testament to emphasize his distinct relationship to the Father.

Historical background and translation: The phrase combines "only" with "begotten," the latter from beget meaning to sire or generate. In modern Bible translations, monogenēs is rendered as "only begotten," "one and only," or "one of a kind." The King James Version uses "only begotten Son" in several passages, notably John 3:16.

Biblical usage: The term is used to express the uniqueness of Jesus as the Son of God. It appears in Johannine writings and certain other New Testament passages. The phrase is not simply "created" but is tied to the concept of divine begetting that designates special status within the Godhead in Christian theology.

Theological and historical notes: In early Christian debates, the semantics of "begotten" were central to defending the deity and co-eternity of the Son against views that treated the Son as a created being. The Nicene Creed and other formulations use related language such as "begotten, not made, of one being with the Father" to express this doctrine.

Modern usage and reception: In contemporary scholarship and most translations, "only begotten" is often replaced by "only Son" or "one and only Son" to avoid misinterpretation. Nevertheless, "only begotten" remains a historically significant term in biblical theology and in the liturgical traditions of some Christian communities.