but YHVH Himself States Yeshua is YHVH's first begotten Son.
The term “first begotten” or “firstborn” when applied to Yeshua (Jesus) in Scripture does not refer to His eternal deity being eternally begotten but rather to His incarnation and the unique role He occupies in salvation history. The Greek word used for "first begotten" is
prototokos, which primarily means "first in rank" or "preeminent one," rather than first in time or origin. In Colossians 1:15, Yeshua is described as "the firstborn of all creation." This does not mean that He was created or that His divine nature had a beginning, but rather it emphasizes His preeminence and authority over all creation.
The phrase "begotten" is closely tied to the incarnation. In Hebrews 1:5 and Psalm 2:7, the Father says, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You." This "begetting" occurred in time, referring to Yeshua's birth into the world as a human being. John 1:14 confirms this by stating, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Here, "only begotten" translates the Greek word
monogenes, which means "unique" or "one of a kind." It highlights Yeshua's unique relationship with the Father as the incarnate Son, not an eternal process of begetting within the Godhead.
This understanding aligns with the concept of the incarnation: that the eternal Word (Logos) took on human flesh at a specific moment in time (John 1:14). The term "first begotten" thus refers to Yeshua's role as the first to be resurrected to eternal life (Romans 8:29, Revelation 1:5), setting the pattern for all who believe in Him. This title underscores His supremacy in the new creation, not an eternal generation within the Trinity, affirming that Yeshua’s sonship began with His incarnation, His life, death, and resurrection, rather than in eternity past.