Variations of born again in other words

The idea of "born again" appears not to be the primary meaning in John 3 where Jesus talks to Nicodemus.

More: John 3:1-17 Born from the beginnings

However, the idea of "born again" appears using different but similar words in other places in the GNT (Greek New Testament). Some of these are now investigated.

It is not uncommon to think "again" when the process is a "coming into being" in a modified form but yet with some of the previous form continuing.

The algorithm for using shampoo is often given as follows.

Wash/Lather.
Rinse as in "separate" (Greek word for judge)
Repeat.

One can do it again, and again, and again, etc. When does one stop? Taken literally, this algorithm has no termination condition. Perhaps they want to sell more shampoo.

How many times does one need to be "born again"? What part is the same and what part is different? Fill the pews?

More: John 3:1-17 Born from the beginnings

More: Matthew 7:1-2 Here comes the judge, but just barley

Can you do something "again" if that something is not the same? To do something "again" means that part of what is being done is the same.

Can one "search again" as in "research" as in doing it "again" for the "first time"? How about "research" it "from the beginning"?

The famous line remembered from the movie Casablanca is "Play it again, Sam". That line is never said. Bergman says, "Play it once, Sam, for old times sake". When Sam does nothing, she says "Play it, Sam! Play 'As time goes by'.".

Bergman said, essentially, "play it from the beginning". It is not uncommon to remember or think "play it again" when that was not actually said.

More: John 3:1-17 Born from the beginnings

There is a saying that "the only constant is change".

This is often attributed to Heraclitus of Ephesus (Ancient Greek philosopher) (from Plato) as "everything changes and nothing remains stil,2l; and you cannot step twice into the same stream."Saying: No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man. Heraclitus of Ephesus

When, exactly, are two things "equal"?
When did something begin to "exist"?
What caused that something to begin to "exist"?

Example paradox: ship of Theseus

What about digital copies? What about military units and soldiers, naval ships and crews, sports teams and players, etc.? How about the universe?

More: Heraclitus of Ephesus

Consider the task of doing work for three days such as on a small building project.

Day 1: Set up and prepare for the work.
Day 2: Do the work.
Day 3: Take down and clean up.

Each day you are doing something different but, yet, with the same idea of "work".

Day 1: Work.
Day 2: Work again.
Day 3: Work again.

Are you really doing the same thing "again"? Not really. Part of it is the same and that is the way you might think and talk about it.

Consider the task of "coming into being" in three periods of time.

Birth 1: Coming into being by physical birth of flesh and spirit.
Birth 2: Coming into being by spiritual birth of water (baptism and washing in the blood as a sword) and spirit (Holy Spirit as flame)
Birth 3: Coming into being in the Kingdom of God in the new heaven and earth with a new body.

One might say the following.

Birth 1: Born.
Birth 2: Born again.
Birth 3: Born again.

Are you really doing the same thing "again"? Not really. Part of it is the same and that is the way you might think and talk about it.

This confusion of "coming into being" and described as being "born" is easy to confuse as "born again" (for the times after the first).

Nicodemus requests clarification of this. There are many reasons for asking questions.

One does not know the answer.
One wants clarification.
One wants to eliminate possibilities.
One wants to ask questions that others have but are afraid to ask.
(One wants to impress others).
(One wants to use up time - as in a debate - to avoid the real issues).

Paul and Peter use words that appear to say "again" but such a phrase, in any language, is not uncommon. Let us look at some verses in the GNT.

More: Other similar differences

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]

απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]

1 2 3 4 5 + - ▶

Four parts: "earth", "air", "fire", "water".

The "ask", "seek", "knock" sequence is part of the "flame" and "sword" progression.

More: John 3:1-17 Born from the beginnings

More: The security of flaming swords

More: No sword no shoes no service on the way

Put the Kingdom of God outside of space and time and (since the fall) includes the "tree of life". The creation is inside space and time.
The "flaming sword" both protects and keeps the way open.
The "Kingdom of Earth" is for those "of the world".
The "Kingdom of Heaven" is for those "in the world".
The "flaming sword" is provided by Jesus who "throws" the "sword". The Holy Spirit provides the "flame".
Birth#3 is the regeneration or in-processing into the Kingdom of God.

More: Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [kjv]

This "regeneration" appears to be a third "birth" or "coming into being" as part of the "in-processing" of "resurrection" into the Kingdom of God.

What is a "throne"? What does it mean to "judge"?

More: Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

More: Matthew 19:26-30 Division of thrones

*G3824 *2 παλιγγενεσία (pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah) : from G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e. (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specially, Messianic restoration:--regeneration.

Words: παλινγενεσια παλινγενεσιας

This Greek word is, literally, "born again". In John 3, the words are "born from above".

In Titus 3:5-6, Paul appears to use the word for "regeneration" in terms of the second birth. In Matthew, Jesus appears to use this word for the third birth (coming into being) or resurrection. This word is used only by Matthew in Matthew 19:28. The word "resurrection", not appearing before Matthew 19:28, appears five times after.

*G3824 *2 παλιγγενεσία (pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah) : from G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e. (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specially, Messianic restoration:--regeneration.

Usage

All

παλινγενεσια

Matthew 19:28 ... which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man ...

παλινγενεσιας

Titus 3:5 ... us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

More: Matthew 19:26-30 Division of thrones

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [kjv]

ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν οτι υμεις οι ακολουθησαντες μοι εν τη παλιγγενεσια οταν καθιση ο υιος του ανθρωπου επι θρονου δοξης αυτου καθησεσθε και υμεις επι δωδεκα θρονους κρινοντες τας δωδεκα φυλας του ισραηλ [gnt]

Discuss:

What is the meaning of "regeneration"?
What is the meaning of "resurrection"?
What are the similarities and differences?
How is the meaning of the above verse changed if the meaning of "regeneration" is changed to "resurrection"?

More: Matthew 19:26-30 Division of thrones

The answer provided by Jesus is somewhat enigmatic.

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [kjv]

19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. [kjv]

Who are the "many"? Who, then, are the "few"?

19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. [kjv]

Hint: This verse appears to go with the next chapter as a continuation of this chapter.

More: Matthew 19:26-30 Division of thrones

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [kjv]

ουκ εξ εργων των εν δικαιοσυνη α εποιησαμεν ημεις αλλα κατα το αυτου ελεος εσωσεν ημας δια λουτρου παλιγγενεσιας και ανακαινωσεως πνευματος αγιου [gnt]

The "washing" and "renewing" appear to be the second "birth" or "coming into being" involving the "water" and the "spirit". The "renewing" in the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" is interesting.

Kingdoms 5

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, [kjv]

οτε δε η χρηστοτης και η φιλανθρωπια επεφανη του σωτηρος ημων θεου [gnt]

3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [kjv]

ουκ εξ εργων των εν δικαιοσυνη α εποιησαμεν ημεις αλλα κατα το αυτου ελεος εσωσεν ημας δια λουτρου παλιγγενεσιας και ανακαινωσεως πνευματος αγιου [gnt]

3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [kjv]

ου εξεχεεν εφ ημας πλουσιως δια ιησου χριστου του σωτηρος ημων [gnt]

Titus 3:4

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KJV: But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Greek: οτε δε η χρηστοτης και η φιλανθρωπια επεφανη του σωτηρος ημων θεου

Titus 3:5

All

KJV: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Greek: ουκ εξ εργων των εν δικαιοσυνη ων α εποιησαμεν ημεις αλλα κατα τον το αυτου ελεον ελεος εσωσεν ημας δια λουτρου παλιγγενεσιας και ανακαινωσεως πνευματος αγιου

Titus 3:6

All

KJV: Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Greek: ου εξεχεεν εφ ημας πλουσιως δια ιησου χριστου του σωτηρος ημων

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [kjv]

ευλογητος ο θεος και πατηρ του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου ο κατα το πολυ αυτου ελεος αναγεννησας ημας εις ελπιδα ζωσαν δι αναστασεως ιησου χριστου εκ νεκρων [gnt]

The "begotten us again" appears to be the second "birth" or "coming into being" involving the "water" and the "spirit".

Kingdoms 5

*G313 *2 ἀναγεννάω (an-ag-en-nah'-o) : from G303 and G1080; to beget or (by extension) bear (again):--beget, (bear) X (again).

Usage

All

αναγεννησας

1 Peter 1:3 ... abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively ...

αναγεγεννημενοι

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but ...

*G313 *2 ἀναγεννάω (an-ag-en-nah'-o) : from G303 and G1080; to beget or (by extension) bear (again):--beget, (bear) X (again).

Words: αναγεγεννημενοι αναγεννησας

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. [kjv]

κατα προγνωσιν θεου πατρος εν αγιασμω πνευματος εις υπακοην και ραντισμον αιματος ιησου χριστου χαρις υμιν και ειρηνη πληθυνθειη [gnt]

1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [kjv]

ευλογητος ο θεος και πατηρ του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου ο κατα το πολυ αυτου ελεος αναγεννησας ημας εις ελπιδα ζωσαν δι αναστασεως ιησου χριστου εκ νεκρων [gnt]

1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, [kjv]

εις κληρονομιαν αφθαρτον και αμιαντον και αμαραντον τετηρημενην εν ουρανοις εις υμας [gnt]

1 Peter 1:2

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KJV: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Greek: κατα προγνωσιν θεου πατρος εν αγιασμω πνευματος εις υπακοην και ραντισμον αιματος ιησου χριστου χαρις υμιν και ειρηνη πληθυνθειη

1 Peter 1:3

All

KJV: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Greek: ευλογητος ο θεος και πατηρ του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου ο κατα το πολυ αυτου ελεος αναγεννησας ημας εις ελπιδα ζωσαν δι αναστασεως ιησου χριστου εκ νεκρων

1 Peter 1:4

All

KJV: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Greek: εις κληρονομιαν αφθαρτον και αμιαντον και αμαραντον τετηρημενην εν ουρανοις εις ημας υμας

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. [kjv]

αναγεγεννημενοι ουκ εκ σπορας φθαρτης αλλα αφθαρτου δια λογου ζωντος θεου και μενοντος [gnt]

The "begotten us again" appears to be the second "birth" or "coming into being" involving the "water" and the "spirit".

Kingdoms 5

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: [kjv]

τας ψυχας υμων ηγνικοτες εν τη υπακοη της αληθειας εις φιλαδελφιαν ανυποκριτον εκ καρδιας αλληλους αγαπησατε εκτενως [gnt]

1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. [kjv]

αναγεγεννημενοι ουκ εκ σπορας φθαρτης αλλα αφθαρτου δια λογου ζωντος θεου και μενοντος [gnt]

1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [kjv]

διοτι πασα σαρξ ως χορτος και πασα δοξα αυτης ως ανθος χορτου εξηρανθη ο χορτος και το ανθος εξεπεσεν [gnt]

1 Peter 1:22

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KJV: Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Greek: τας ψυχας υμων ηγνικοτες εν τη υπακοη της αληθειας δια πνευματος εις φιλαδελφιαν ανυποκριτον εκ καθαρας καρδιας αλληλους αγαπησατε εκτενως

1 Peter 1:23

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KJV: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Greek: αναγεγεννημενοι ουκ εκ σπορας φθαρτης αλλα αφθαρτου δια λογου ζωντος θεου και μενοντος εις τον αιωνα

1 Peter 1:24

All

KJV: For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Greek: διοτι πασα σαρξ ως χορτος και πασα δοξα ανθρωπου αυτης ως ανθος χορτου εξηρανθη ο χορτος και το ανθος αυτου εξεπεσεν