unbegotten
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not generated or produced: "unbegotten" describes something that has not been brought into existence through a process of generation, birth, or creation. It often implies eternal or self-existent nature, especially in theological contexts.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- In some religious doctrines, God is considered unbegotten, having no origin or beginning. (Describing a being that is not generated or created.)
- The philosopher argued that the universe is unbegotten, existing without a prior cause. (Suggesting the universe has no point of origin.)
Advanced Usage
Theological context: "unbegotten" is frequently used to distinguish the Father in the Christian Trinity from the Son (who is "begotten").
- The Nicene Creed states that the Son is "begotten, not made," while the Father is unbegotten. (Highlighting the distinction between the Father's eternal, non-derived nature and the Son's generated nature.)
Philosophical context: Used to describe entities that are not subject to generation or decay.
- Plato's Forms are considered unbegotten, existing eternally and immutably. (Referring to abstract ideals that are not created or destroyed.)
Variants and Related Words
Begotten (adj): generated or produced; often used in theological contexts (e.g., "only begotten Son").
- The term "begotten" implies a relationship of origin, while "unbegotten" denies any such origin.
Unbegottenness (n): the state or quality of being unbegotten.
- The doctrine of unbegottenness is central to understanding the divine nature in certain theologies.
Synonyms
- Uncreated: not brought into existence by a creator.
- Eternal: without beginning or end.
- Self-existent: existing by virtue of its own nature, not dependent on another.
Related Idioms
- "Unbegotten and unending": a phrase used to emphasize eternal, non-derived existence.
- The ancient hymn described the divine as "unbegotten and unending," beyond all temporal categories. (Stressing the timeless nature of the divine.)