Introduction: Participles and the Mystery of Conception
In Matthew 1:20, the angelic message to Ἰωσὴφ {Iōsēph} delivers the revelation that Μαρίαμ is pregnant, but not by human means. The phrase τὸ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν is central to this divine disclosure. At the heart of the sentence lies a neuter articular participle: γεννηθὲν (“that which has been conceived”), governed by the article τὸ and qualified by the prepositional phrase ἐν αὐτῇ.
This construction is not a casual grammatical flourish—it is a deliberate, theologically packed choice that encapsulates incarnation, divine agency, and mystery. Let’s explore the grammar that conveys this truth.
Ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου κατ’ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ λέγων· Ἰωσὴφ υἱὸς Δαυὶδ, μὴ φοβηθῇς παραλαβεῖν Μαρίαμ τὴν γυναῖκά σου· τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ πνεύματος ἐστιν ἁγίου.
This verse, Matthew 1:20, is a stunning interplay of dream vision, divine intervention, and grammatical richness. For this lesson, we’ll focus on the participial clause:
τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν
This phrase features a neuter articular aorist passive participle functioning substantivally, embedded within a theologically dense statement about the conception of Yeshuʿ. This construction is powerful in both Greek grammar and Christian theology.
Morphological Breakdown of τὸ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν
- τὸ {to} –
Root: ὁ {ho};
Form: neuter nominative singular definite article;
Function: substantivizes the participle γεννηθὲν, making it “that which was conceived.” - ἐν {en} –
Form: preposition governing the dative;
Meaning: “in,” “within”;
Usage: spatial, referring to location “in her.” - αὐτῇ {autē} –
Root: αὐτός {autos};
Form: dative singular feminine pronoun;
Function: governed by the preposition ἐν, referring to Μαρίαμ. - γεννηθὲν {gennēthen} –
Root: γεννάω {gennaō};
Form: aorist passive participle, neuter nominative singular;
Voice: passive (emphasizing that the subject did not act);
Notes: Used substantivally with article τὸ, referring to “that which has been conceived” or “what was brought into being.”
Syntactical Analysis: Substantival Participle with Prepositional Modifier
The structure τὸ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν features a participle used as a noun, a construction known as the articular participle. This participle is:
– Neuter: Because it refers not to a person (yet), but to a reality or event.
– Nominative: It functions as the subject of the verb ἐστιν (“is”).
– Passive: Indicating that the “generation” or “conception” was done to her, not by her or Joseph.
The participial phrase is further modified by ἐν αὐτῇ, marking the location or instrument of the conception—“in her.” This places the focus on Mary’s womb, but it also maintains distance from any implication of normal human intercourse.
Semantic and Theological Implications of the Participial Construction
The participle γεννηθὲν literally means “having been begotten” or “brought into being.” When combined with ἐκ πνεύματος ἁγίου (“from the Spirit of Holiness”), it yields profound theological implications:
– The passive voice stresses that Mary is acted upon, not a co-agent. The action is entirely divine.
– The neuter gender highlights the mystery of incarnation—not referring to a male child directly, but to the miraculous event itself.
– The participial construction avoids naming the subject, allowing for reverent ambiguity. The reader knows it is Yeshuʿ, but the grammar preserves the mystery.
This is a fine example of grammar doing theological heavy lifting: incarnation, virgin conception, and divine authorship all compressed into a participial phrase.
Literary and Discourse Significance
Grammatically, the phrase τὸ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν stands at the heart of the angelic reassurance. Its syntax slows down the flow of the verse and marks emphasis. The participial form adds weight and solemnity, in contrast to a simple indicative verb (“she has conceived”).
In discourse terms, this line:
– Answers Joseph’s internal conflict.
– Introduces pneumatological theology (work of the Spirit).
– Prepares for the naming of Yeshuʿ in verse 21.
The phrase’s compactness makes it almost creedal: a statement of divine generation “in her,” not by a man, but by the Spirit.
The Event Conceived in Her: A Participial Revelation
The clause τὸ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν is no mere grammatical ornament—it is a compressed theological declaration. With a single articular participle, Matthew proclaims a miraculous conception, divine initiative, and the beginning of a messianic mission.
The neuter participle captures the event before the person is revealed. It is grammar in waiting—awaiting the birth, the name, and the salvation He will bring.
