### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb παιδιόθεν (paidióthen) is formed from the noun παιδίον (paidion), meaning "little child" or "infant," combined with the adverbial suffix -θεν (then), which denotes origin or source ("from"). Thus, παιδιόθεν precisely means "from childhood," "from infancy," or "from a child." It functions to specify the starting point in time of a particular state, condition, or characteristic, indicating that it has been present since the earliest stages of life. The term emphasizes the duration and deep-seated nature of whatever it modifies, implying a long-standing or congenital quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word παιδιόθεν occurs only once in the New Testament, in a profoundly significant context:
* **[[Mark 9:21]]**: In this passage, Jesus encounters a boy afflicted by a demon. When Jesus asks the father, "How long has this been happening to him?", the father replies, "From childhood" (παιδιόθεν). This detail is crucial for understanding the severity and chronicity of the boy's condition. The demon's influence was not a recent occurrence but had plagued the child since his earliest years, causing him to suffer seizures and near-fatal episodes. The father's response highlights the long-endured anguish and the deep-seated nature of the spiritual bondage. This protracted suffering underscores the immense power of Christ, who, with a single command, delivers the boy from an affliction that had tormented him for his entire life, demonstrating His absolute authority over even the most entrenched spiritual forces.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **παιδίον (paidion) `{{G3813}}`**: The foundational noun from which παιδιόθεν is derived. It consistently refers to a young child, often an infant or toddler, emphasizing their smallness, dependence, and innocence. Its usage across the Gospels frequently highlights the vulnerability and teachability associated with children, often as examples for discipleship.
* **παῖς (pais) `{{G3816}}`**: A broader term that can mean "child," "boy," or "servant." While related, παιδιόθεν specifically points to the *state of being a child* as a point of origin, rather than simply referring to a child.
* **νηπίος (nēpios) `{{G3516}}`**: Denotes an infant or a minor, often carrying the connotation of immaturity, lack of understanding, or being "unlearned." While similar in referring to early life, παιδιόθεν focuses on the *duration from* that stage, not necessarily the immaturity itself.
* **Concepts of Early Origin**: Other biblical phrases convey a similar sense of beginning from an early age, such as "from his mother's womb" (e.g., [[Luke 1:41]], [[Galatians 1:15]]) or "from the beginning" (e.g., [[John 8:44]], [[1 John 1:1]]). These terms, while distinct, share the thematic emphasis on a foundational or very early inception of a state or characteristic.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of παιδιόθεν in [[Mark 9:21]] carries profound theological weight:
* **The Reality of Suffering from Infancy**: The word underscores the tragic reality that suffering, even severe spiritual or physical affliction, can begin in the earliest stages of life. It challenges any simplistic notion that suffering is always a direct consequence of an individual's sin, as a child cannot have committed significant transgressions. This points to the brokenness of the fallen world and the pervasive reach of evil.
* **Christ's Omnipotent Authority over Chronic Affliction**: The fact that Jesus heals a condition that has persisted "from childhood" powerfully demonstrates His supreme authority. No condition, no matter how long-standing, deeply entrenched, or seemingly incurable, is beyond His power to deliver. This offers immense hope for those who suffer from chronic illnesses or long-term spiritual bondage.
* **Divine Compassion and Persistence in Faith**: The father's desperate plea for his son, despite years of suffering, exemplifies persistent faith. Jesus' immediate and decisive action in response highlights His profound compassion for human suffering, especially that endured by the innocent and vulnerable. The word παιδιόθεν amplifies the magnitude of the miracle and the depth of Christ's mercy.
* **The Scope of Redemption**: The healing of the boy "from childhood" illustrates that Christ's redemptive work extends to every phase of life. His power can bring deliverance and transformation from conditions that have held sway over an individual for their entire existence, offering a complete and comprehensive salvation.
### Summary
The Greek adverb παιδιόθεν (paidióthen), meaning "from childhood" or "from infancy," is a poignant term that appears uniquely in [[Mark 9:21]]. In this solitary occurrence, it describes the long-standing duration of a demon's possession of a young boy, emphasizing the chronicity and severity of his suffering. Theologically, παιδιόθεν profoundly highlights the reality of affliction that can begin in the earliest stages of life, while simultaneously underscoring Christ's omnipotent authority and boundless compassion in delivering from even the most deeply entrenched and long-standing conditions. It serves as a powerful testament to the comprehensive scope of Christ's redemptive power, capable of transforming lives plagued by suffering since their very inception.
TRV