The word “begat,” primarily found in older translations of the Bible, particularly the King James Version, is a simple past tense form of the verb “to beget.” It means “to father” or “to sire” a child, indicating a direct line of descent from parent to offspring. For example, the phrase “Abraham begat Isaac” signifies that Abraham was the father of Isaac.
Its usage is significant in genealogical passages, particularly in the Old Testament, where establishing lineage and inheritance were crucial. These genealogies served not merely as historical records but also as theological statements, tracing lines of descent important for messianic prophecies and demonstrating God’s faithfulness to his promises across generations. The term’s archaic nature contributes to the perceived formality and antiquity of these scriptural texts. Modern translations often replace “begat” with more contemporary terms like “fathered” or “was the father of” for improved clarity.
