This word study began in a “last to first” post in Matthew 9:28. That inquiry also generated a study for some other great words. Translators and dictionary makers have a demanding job, especially if they are keeping politics out of the final product. The words and phrases that caught my attention are very close in usage in our modern vernacular, I wonder what they were in the first century.

Strong: G3824 palingenesia a new birth; regeneration, renovation, Matthew 19:28; Titus 3:5.

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)

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)

Strong: G342 anakainōsis renovation, renewal – Romans 12:2; Titus 3:5 

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)

Titus contains both of the first two words, which I found interesting. Paul is very careful with his words; I don’t think this was a mistake. More study on my part is required. This led me to the idea in John 3:3 and how it compares with the first two words.

Strong: G1080 and G509 gennaō anōthen birth from above or born-again John 3:3

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (KJV)

Mounce did a doctorial paper on the topic of new birth. I could only access the introduction. There seem to be other writers who have pondered this. For me, it is amazing that these few words occupy so much of our theology.

The verse in Matthew made me reflect on exactly what happened when Jesus came out of the tomb. Christianly has used many words to describe Jesus’ new state of being. For all practical purposes, He was born anew, with a glorified body and several new titles and responsibilities.

Sources were Mounce Interlinear and Strong’s Concordance.