### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb νηπιάζω (nēpiázō, `{{G3515}}`) is derived directly from the noun νήπιος (nēpios, `{{G3516}}`), which typically refers to an infant or a very young child. Consequently, nēpiázō literally means "to act as a babe" or "to be a child." Its semantic range extends to encompass both the positive and negative connotations associated with infancy. On the one hand, it can denote innocence, simplicity, and freedom from malice or guile, akin to the purity often attributed to young children. On the other hand, it can signify immaturity, lack of understanding, foolishness, or a state of being undeveloped, particularly in intellectual or spiritual matters. The context is crucial for determining which nuance is intended.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb νηπιάζω (nēpiázō, `{{G3515}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 14:20. This singular occurrence, however, is highly significant and reveals the nuanced meaning of the term:
* [[1 Corinthians 14:20]]: "Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature."
In this verse, the Apostle Paul employs nēpiázō in a powerful rhetorical contrast. He first admonishes the Corinthians, "do not be children in your thinking" (μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν), using παιδία (paidia, `{{G3813}}`), another word for "children," to denote childishness or immaturity in their intellectual and spiritual discernment, particularly concerning the proper use of spiritual gifts like tongues. He then immediately pivots, stating, "yet in evil be infants" (ἀλλὰ τῇ κακίᾳ νηπιάζετε). Here, nēpiázō is used in a positive sense, urging believers to be innocent, naive, or inexperienced when it comes to evil. They are to be utterly unacquainted with its ways, free from its corrupting influence, and pure in heart regarding its practice. The verse concludes with a call to maturity: "but in your thinking be mature" (ταῖς δὲ φρεσίν τέλειοι γίνεσθε), using τέλειοι (teleioi, `{{G5046}}`), emphasizing the need for spiritual growth and discernment. This passage beautifully encapsulates the dual potential of nēpiázō: a state to be avoided in spiritual understanding but embraced in moral purity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of νηπιάζω (nēpiázō, `{{G3515}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **νήπιος (nēpios, `{{G3516}}`):** The noun from which nēpiázō is derived. Nēpios is frequently used in the New Testament to describe spiritual immaturity (e.g., [[Galatians 4:1]], [[Ephesians 4:14]], [[Hebrews 5:13]]) or, conversely, a state of humble dependence and openness to God (e.g., [[Matthew 11:25]], [[Luke 10:21]]).
* **παιδίον (paidion, `{{G3813}}`):** Another common Greek word for "child." While often used interchangeably with νήπιος (nēpios, `{{G3516}}`), paidion can sometimes denote a slightly older child or a disciple. In [[1 Corinthians 14:20]], Paul uses paidia in the negative sense of childishness in thought, contrasting it with the positive nēpiázō concerning evil.
* **τέλειος (teleios, `{{G5046}}`):** Meaning "mature," "perfect," or "complete." This term stands in direct opposition to the negative implications of nēpiázō and παιδία (paidia, `{{G3813}}`) when referring to spiritual understanding. Believers are called to progress from spiritual infancy to maturity.
* **Spiritual Maturity vs. Immaturity:** A pervasive theme in the Pauline epistles and Hebrews. Nēpiázō highlights the danger of remaining in a state of spiritual infancy, where believers are easily swayed by false doctrines or misuse spiritual gifts due to a lack of discernment.
* **Innocence vs. Worldly Wisdom:** The call to be "infants in evil" echoes the broader biblical principle of maintaining moral purity and an uncorrupted heart in a fallen world, while simultaneously growing in wisdom and understanding. This resonates with Jesus' instruction to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" ([[Matthew 10:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of νηπιάζω (nēpiázō, `{{G3515}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 14:20]] carries profound theological weight, articulating a critical tension in the Christian life: the simultaneous call to childlike innocence and spiritual maturity.
Theologically, believers are indeed called to be "childlike" in certain respects. Jesus himself emphasized the necessity of humility, trust, and dependence akin to a child to enter the Kingdom of God ([[Matthew 18:3-4]], [[Matthew 19:14]]). This "childlikeness" implies a simple faith, an unpretentious spirit, and a heart free from the complexities and corruptions of worldly wisdom. It is in this positive sense that Paul urges the Corinthians to be "infants in evil" – utterly unversed and unpracticed in maliciousness, deceit, and sin. This reflects a state of moral purity and a refusal to engage with or be defiled by the darkness of the world.
However, nēpiázō also warns against the dangers of remaining in spiritual infancy concerning understanding and discernment. The Christian faith demands growth, a progression from the "milk" of elementary doctrines to the "solid food" of deeper truths ([[Hebrews 5:12-14]]). To be "children in thinking" (as in [[1 Corinthians 14:20]]) leads to instability, susceptibility to false teachings ([[Ephesians 4:14]]), and an inability to properly exercise spiritual gifts for the edification of the body. True spiritual maturity involves a robust understanding of God's word, discernment of spirits, and the ability to apply truth wisely.
Thus, nēpiázō underscores a vital paradox: believers are to possess a profound innocence regarding evil, maintaining an unblemished moral character, while simultaneously striving for intellectual and spiritual maturity, growing in wisdom and knowledge of God.
### Summary
The Greek verb νηπιάζω (nēpiázō, `{{G3515}}`) means "to act as a babe" or "to be a child." Though appearing only once in the New Testament, its usage in [[1 Corinthians 14:20]] is highly illustrative. Paul employs it to convey a crucial distinction: believers are admonished *not* to be childish in their thinking or spiritual understanding, indicating a need for maturity and discernment. Yet, they *are* exhorted to be "infants" in relation to evil, signifying a profound innocence, purity, and lack of experience concerning sin. This word, therefore, encapsulates the dual calling for Christians: to cultivate a childlike purity and freedom from malice, while simultaneously pursuing robust spiritual maturity and understanding in all matters of faith and doctrine.
TRV