from an obsolete particle (implying negation) and ἔπος; not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian:--babe, child (+ -ish).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **νήπιος (nḗpios)**, represented by `{{G3516}}`, means **not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian**. It appears 14 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. The term denotes a state of immaturity, whether it be a literal child, a legal minor, or a believer who has not yet grown in their faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3516}}` is used to illustrate several key spiritual concepts. It describes believers who are still `{{G4559}}` "carnal" and not yet `{{G4152}}` "spiritual", being referred to as "babes in Christ" [[1 Corinthians 3:1]]. This state of immaturity makes one vulnerable, like `{{G3516}}` "children, tossed to and fro" by false `{{G1319}}` "doctrine" [[Ephesians 4:14]]. Conversely, the term is used to show a paradox in divine wisdom, where God has `{{G601}}` "revealed" truths to `{{G3516}}` "babes" that He has hidden from the worldly `{{G4680}}` "wise" and `{{G4908}}` "prudent" [[Matthew 11:25]]. It also portrays a stage of life to be outgrown, as when one becomes a `{{G435}}` "man," he puts away childish things [[1 Corinthians 13:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of spiritual immaturity:
* `{{G1051}}` **gála** (milk): A person who is a `{{G3516}}` "babe" is described as one who uses `{{G1051}}` "milk" and is therefore `{{G552}}` "unskilful in the word of righteousness" [[Hebrews 5:13]].
* `{{G4559}}` **sarkikós** (carnal): This term describes the state of the Corinthian believers, whom Paul could not address as spiritual but as `{{G4559}}` "carnal," likening them to `{{G3516}}` "babes in Christ" [[1 Corinthians 3:1]].
* `{{G435}}` **anḗr** (man): This word represents the state of maturity that is the opposite of being a `{{G3516}}` "child". Upon becoming a `{{G435}}` "man", one is expected to `{{G2673}}` "put away" childish ways [[1 Corinthians 13:11]].
* `{{G2673}}` **katargéō** (put away): This verb describes the action of maturing out of a childish state. When one becomes a man, he is to `{{G2673}}` "put away" childish things [[1 Corinthians 13:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3516}}` is significant, highlighting different facets of the Christian walk.
* **Spiritual Immaturity:** The term defines a believer who has not progressed beyond the basics of faith. They are still `{{G4559}}` "carnal" [[1 Corinthians 3:1]] and require `{{G1051}}` "milk" instead of strong meat, being `{{G552}}` "unskilful" in righteousness [[Hebrews 5:13]].
* **Vulnerability to Error:** A state of spiritual childhood leaves a believer unstable and susceptible to being `{{G2831}}` "tossed to and fro" by every `{{G417}}` "wind" of false `{{G1319}}` "doctrine" and human `{{G2940}}` "sleight" [[Ephesians 4:14]].
* **Humble Receptivity:** In a positive light, being like `{{G3516}}` "babes" represents the humility required to receive divine revelation. God reveals His truth to these "babes" rather than to those who see themselves as wise [[Luke 10:21]].
* **The Path to Maturity:** Scripture presents the state of being a `{{G3516}}` "child" as a temporary phase. The goal is to mature, putting away childish thoughts and understanding to become a spiritual `{{G435}}` "man" [[1 Corinthians 13:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3516}}` is a multifaceted term that extends beyond its literal meaning of an infant. It serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual immaturity, defining a state characterized by a need for elementary teaching, vulnerability to deception, and carnality. At the same time, it can represent the humble posture necessary to receive wisdom from God. The consistent biblical exhortation is to grow beyond being a `{{G3516}}` "babe" into full spiritual maturity in Christ.
TRV