Eternal Generation
In one sentence
The classical Trinitarian doctrine describing the Son’s eternal personal origin from the Father without creation or temporal beginning.
In simple terms
The Son is eternally Son from the Father: he is not created and did not begin to exist, while his personal distinction is traditionally described as eternal generation.
Biblical truth
Scripture presents Jesus as the eternal Son, distinguishes him from the Father, and attributes deity to him; “eternal generation” systematizes these data.
Key Scriptures
John 1:1–3,18 · John 5:26 · John 17:5 · Heb. 1:2–5 · Col. 1:15–17
Example
The doctrine does not mean the Father produced the Son at some point in time: generation is understood as an eternal relation within God.
Who holds it
Nicene and post-Nicene traditions East and West; most classical Trinitarian theologies.
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with creation of the Son or biological generation.
History
It became central language in Nicene Trinitarianism for explaining how the Son is distinct from the Father yet fully divine.
Main point of debate
Debate concerns the biblical basis and precise meaning of “generation,” especially its relation to texts about the only Son and having life in himself.