What does the word 'begotten' mean?

        Begotten is translated from the Greek word 'Monogenes'. A word that describes the significance of Jesus' being which is that he is the full essence and of God. The English translation is "to cause or produce as an effect". It does not mean that God had a son with a wife as some religions think Christians are referring to. It literally means 'only' but in the sense of the "one and only" son who is the full being and representation of God. An appropriate reference since Jesus is the “one and only” way to salvation.  This word is used in John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes  in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

In 1 John 4:9 the word begotten is also used. It says;

"In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten  Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”

           The word manifested translated from the Greek (phaneroo) means to 'open to sight' or make visible. In other words to open to sight God's love so it would be visible. That was done by Jesus being 'begotten' so we could see the fullness of God by the “one and only” Son.

            It seems to me a perfect way for us to see what God's character is really like. It was His example of  love and  how we should act and live our lives.