### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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