The Greek word nēpiázō, represented by G3515, means to act as a babe or, figuratively, to be innocent. This verb is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in the entire Bible, which makes its single usage highly specific and significant. It is defined as a call to act innocently, like a child.
The sole appearance of G3515 is in 1 Corinthians 14:20. In this verse, the author instructs the brethren G80 on the nature of spiritual maturity. He commands them, "be not G3361 children G3813 in understanding G5424." However, he immediately provides a crucial exception, stating, "howbeit in malice G2549 be ye children G3515." The verse concludes by reinforcing the primary point: "but in understanding G5424 be G1096 men G5046." The use of G3515 here establishes a sharp contrast between a commendable, childlike innocence regarding evil and a blameworthy childishness in spiritual matters.
Several related words in 1 Corinthians 14:20 clarify the meaning of G3515:
- G2549 kakía (malice, wickedness): This is the specific area where believers are instructed to "act as a babe." It refers to badness, depravity, or malignity. This is consistent with other passages that command believers to put away all malice Ephesians 4:31.
- G5424 phrḗn (understanding): Representing the mind or cognitive faculties, this is the realm where believers are explicitly told not to be like children. The goal is to be mature in these faculties.
- G3813 paidíon (a childling, an immature Christian): This term for a "child" is used to describe the state of immaturity that believers should avoid in their understanding.
- G5046 téleios (complete, perfect, of full age): This is the goal for a believer's understanding, standing in direct opposition to being a child. It describes a state of completeness and full maturity Romans 12:2.
The theological instruction provided by G3515 is focused and direct.
- Innocence Regarding Evil: The primary lesson from G3515 is that spiritual growth involves cultivating a specific type of innocence. Believers are to be like infants concerning malice G2549, remaining unversed and unparticipating in wickedness and depravity 1 Corinthians 14:20.
- Maturity in Understanding: This innocence must be balanced with spiritual maturity. The passage strongly commands believers to move beyond being a child G3813 in their cognitive faculties and to become perfect G5046 or complete in their understanding G5424.
- Discerning Application: The use of G3515 teaches a critical form of spiritual discernment. It is not a call to be childish, but a call to be childlike in the right context—specifically, in relation to sin—while simultaneously pursuing the highest level of maturity in faith and knowledge.
In summary, G3515 is a precise term that carries significant weight in its single biblical appearance. Its use in 1 Corinthians 14:20 serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life requires a dual pursuit: the guileless innocence of a babe when it comes to malice, and the complete, perfect understanding of a mature adult in all other spiritual matters. The word demonstrates that true maturity is knowing where to be simple and where to be wise.
TRV