### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **bréphos**, represented by `{{G1025}}`, is a specific term for an **infant**, **babe**, or **(young) child**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in scripture. Its usage ranges from a literal, unborn child in the womb to a newborn infant, and it is also used figuratively to describe the initial state of a believer in Christ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1025}}` is used to mark the earliest stages of human life. It describes the unborn John the Baptist, who as a **babe** leaped in his mother's womb `{{G2836}}` upon hearing Mary's salutation ([[Luke 1:41]], [[Luke 1:44]]). The shepherds were given a sign `{{G4592}}` to find the newborn Jesus, referred to as a **babe** wrapped in swaddling clothes `{{G4683}}` and lying in a manger `{{G5336}}` ([[Luke 2:12]], [[Luke 2:16]]). The word is also used to describe the **infants** brought to Jesus to be touched `{{G680}}` [[Luke 18:15]] and the vulnerable **young children** of the Israelites who were cast out `{{G1570}}` in Egypt [[Acts 7:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the life stage of a **bréphos**:
* `{{G738}}` **artigénnētos** (new born): This word, meaning "just born," is used directly alongside `{{G1025}}` to describe believers as "newborn babes," emphasizing their recent spiritual birth and need for nourishment [[1 Peter 2:2]].
* `{{G2836}}` **koilía** (womb): This term for a cavity, specifically the matrix or womb, is the location of the **babe** in the accounts of Elisabeth, highlighting the pre-birth identity and responsiveness of the child [[Luke 1:41]].
* `{{G4640}}` **skirtáō** (leap for joy): This word describes the action of the unborn **babe** in the womb. It signifies a sympathetic movement or jump, explicitly linked to joy `{{G20}}`, showing sentient reaction even before birth [[Luke 1:44]].
* `{{G4683}}` **sparganóō** (wrap in swaddling clothes): This term describes the act of swathing an infant, a key detail in the sign given to the shepherds to identify the newborn **babe**, Jesus [[Luke 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1025}}` is significant, highlighting key spiritual truths through the image of an infant.
* **Sanctity of Life:** The depiction of the unborn **babe** (John the Baptist) leaping `{{G4640}}` with joy `{{G20}}` in his mother's womb `{{G2836}}` affirms identity and personhood before birth [[Luke 1:44]].
* **Humility and Dependence:** Christ's entry into the world as a helpless **babe** lying in a manger `{{G5336}}` is the ultimate sign `{{G4592}}` of His humility [[Luke 2:12]]. This state of dependence is later used figuratively for believers, who are called to be like newborn **babes** `{{G738}}` desiring `{{G1971}}` spiritual milk `{{G1051}}` [[1 Peter 2:2]].
* **Foundation of Faith:** Paul's instruction to Timothy notes that he has known the holy scriptures `{{G1121}}` from a **child** `{{G1025}}`, establishing that early teaching can make one wise `{{G4679}}` for salvation `{{G4991}}` through faith `{{G4102}}` [[2 Timothy 3:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1025}}` **bréphos** is more than a simple word for a baby. It is used with precision to define the very beginning of life, from the unborn to the newly born. The term carries significant theological weight, used to illustrate the humility of Christ, the personhood of the unborn, and the essential, dependent state of a new believer who must crave spiritual nourishment in order to grow `{{G837}}`.
TRV