neuter diminutive of παῖς; a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian:--(little, young) child, damsel.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **paidíon**, represented by `{{G3813}}`, refers to a **childling** or young child of either sex. It appears **51 times** across **48 unique verses** in the Bible. While it properly denotes an infant or a half-grown boy or girl, it is also used figuratively to describe an immature Christian.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospels, `{{G3813}}` is frequently used to refer to a literal **child**. It describes Jesus as the "young **child**" in the nativity accounts, who was sought by Herod [[Matthew 2:13]] and worshipped by the wise men [[Matthew 2:11]]. The term is also central to Christ's teachings on humility, as He states that one must become as a little **child** to enter the kingdom of heaven [[Matthew 18:3]]. In the epistles, the apostle John affectionately addresses believers as "little **children**," linking this status to their knowledge of the Father [[1 John 2:13]] and warning them about the last time [[1 John 2:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of **child**:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr**: This word for "a **father**" establishes the familial context. John writes to "little **children**" because they have known the **Father** [[1 John 2:13]], and the **father** of a possessed **child** cries out for help [[Mark 9:24]].
* `{{G5046}}` **téleios**: Meaning **complete** or **of full age**, this term stands in direct contrast to the immaturity associated with a child. Paul exhorts believers to not be **children** `{{G3813}}` in understanding, but to be **men** `{{G5046}}` [[1 Corinthians 14:20]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō**: Meaning to **write** or describe, this verb is used by John to frame his address to different stages of spiritual maturity, including "fathers", "young men", and "little **children**" [[1 John 2:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3813}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of the Christian life.
* **Humility and Kingdom Entry:** Jesus establishes the **child** as the model for entering God's kingdom. A person must receive the kingdom as a little **child** [[Mark 10:15]] and humble themselves like a **child** to be considered great [[Matthew 18:4]].
* **The Incarnation:** The word is used to describe the infant Jesus [[Luke 2:40]], grounding the incarnation in human reality. Christ identified with humanity by partaking in flesh and blood just as the **children** do [[Hebrews 2:14]].
* **Spiritual Maturity:** The term serves as a metaphor for spiritual development. Paul contrasts being **children** in understanding with being mature **men** [[1 Corinthians 14:20]]. In a different sense, John addresses believers as "little **children**" to denote a tender relationship with God the **Father** [[1 John 2:13]].
* **Innocence in Malice:** While urging maturity in understanding, Paul also commands believers to "be ye **children**" `{{G3515}}` in malice, indicating a desired state of innocence and freedom from evil intent [[1 Corinthians 14:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3813}}` carries a rich meaning that extends beyond its simple definition of a young child. It is used to describe the literal childhood of figures like Jesus and John the Baptist, but more profoundly, it serves as a central metaphor in Jesus's teachings on humility and faith. The term encapsulates the necessary posture for entering the kingdom of heaven, the believer's intimate relationship with the Father, and the journey from spiritual immaturity toward completeness in Christ.
TRV