The meaning of “νήπιος”
Understanding nḗpios reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
babe, child (+ -ish). - not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor) - figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christi...
νήπιος
babe, child (+ -ish). - not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor) - figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 21:16 | “And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” Word: νήπιος (nḗpios) | |
| Luke 10:21 | “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” Word: νήπιος (nḗpios) | |
| Romans 2:20 | “An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.” Word: νήπιος (nḗpios) | |
| 1 Corinthians 13:11 | “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Word: νήπιος (nḗpios) | |
| Galatians 4:3 | “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:” Word: νήπιος (nḗpios) |