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
παιδίον (paidíon, `{{G3813}}`) is a neuter diminutive of `{{G3816}}` (país), which means "child" or "servant." The diminutive suffix implies a "little child," "childling," or "dear child," conveying tenderness or smallness. Properly, it refers to an infant or a very young child. By extension, its usage can encompass a child up to pre-adolescence, including a "half-grown boy or girl." Figuratively, in the New Testament, it is employed to denote an immature Christian, one who is new in faith or lacking spiritual maturity. Thus, its semantic range includes infant, young child, girl (damsel), boy, and spiritually immature believer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παιδίον appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the Johannine Epistles.
* **Gospels:** In the Synoptic Gospels, παιδίον often refers to actual young children. In [[Matthew 18:2-4]], Jesus places a παιδίον in the midst of His disciples to illustrate the humility and dependence required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This usage highlights the child's innocence, lack of pretense, and complete reliance. Similarly, in [[Matthew 19:13-14]], Jesus welcomes παιδία (plural) brought to Him for blessing, rebuking His disciples who sought to prevent them. Here, the term underscores God's special regard for the vulnerable and those who are humble. In Luke's Gospel, παιδίον is used to describe the infant John the Baptist ([[Luke 1:59]], [[Luke 1:66]]) and the infant Jesus ([[Luke 2:17]], [[Luke 2:21]], [[Luke 2:27]], [[Luke 2:40]]), emphasizing their tender age and development. In [[John 21:5]], the Risen Christ addresses His disciples as "children" (παιδία), a term of endearment that also subtly conveys His authority and their spiritual relationship to Him.
* **Acts:** In the book of Acts, παιδίον is used in a more general sense for a young person. For instance, in [[Acts 7:19]], it refers to male infants targeted by Pharaoh's decree. In [[Acts 20:12]], it describes Eutychus after he was raised from the dead by Paul, indicating his youth.
* **Epistles:** In the Epistles, especially 1 John, παιδία takes on a significant figurative meaning. John addresses believers as "little children" (παιδία) in [[1 John 2:13]] and [[1 John 2:18]]. This usage is primarily a term of affection and pastoral tenderness from an elder to those under his spiritual care. While it can imply a stage of spiritual immaturity or newness in faith (contrasting with "fathers" and "young men" in the same context), its primary force is one of loving relationship within the family of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G3816}}` (país): The root word from which παιδίον is derived. While país can mean "child" or "servant," παιδίον specifically emphasizes the "little" or "young" aspect.
* `{{G5043}}` (tekníon): Another diminutive for "little child," frequently used by John (e.g., [[John 13:33]], [[1 John 2:1]]). While both παιδίον and tekníon convey the idea of a "little child," παιδίον often highlights the age (infant/young child), whereas tekníon more strongly emphasizes the familial relationship (offspring/beloved child) or spiritual immaturity.
* `{{G5044}}` (téknon): The root word for tekníon, meaning "child" by birth, emphasizing lineage or relationship.
* `{{G3516}}` (nēpios): "Infant" or "babe," often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe spiritual immaturity, implying a lack of understanding or an inability to process deeper spiritual truths (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 3:1]], [[Ephesians 4:14]]). While παιδίον can refer to an infant, nēpios more pointedly addresses the state of spiritual infancy or naiveté.
* **Concepts:** Innocence, humility, dependence, spiritual immaturity, new birth, and the familial relationship of believers within the Body of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παιδίον is profound, particularly in Jesus' teachings.
* **Paradigm for the Kingdom of God:** Perhaps the most impactful use is Jesus' presentation of the παιδίον as the model for entering and being great in the Kingdom of God ([[Matthew 18:3-4]]). This radical teaching challenges human notions of status and power, asserting that humility, dependence, and lack of self-sufficiency—qualities inherent in a young child—are essential for discipleship. To "become like a little child" means embracing a posture of radical trust and reliance on God, devoid of pride or self-righteousness.
* **Divine Welcome and Value:** Jesus' welcoming of children ([[Matthew 19:14]]) underscores God's profound love and care for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those often overlooked by society. It demonstrates that God's grace is freely extended to all, regardless of age, social standing, or perceived importance. The Kingdom of God is open to those who approach it with childlike faith.
* **Spiritual Nurturing and Growth:** In the Epistles, particularly John's use of παιδία, the term highlights the ongoing spiritual journey of believers. While a term of endearment, it also subtly acknowledges that believers, like children, are in various stages of growth and development within the family of God. They require guidance, teaching, and spiritual nurturing to mature in faith.
* **Humility and Dependence:** The literal παιδίον is entirely dependent on its caregivers. Spiritually, this translates to a call for believers to cultivate a deep, radical dependence on God, acknowledging their need for His grace, wisdom, and provision in every aspect of life.
### Summary
παιδίον (paidíon, `{{G3813}}`) is a rich and versatile Greek term, a diminutive of `{{G3816}}` (país), primarily denoting a "little child" or "infant." Its semantic range extends from a literal young child in narrative contexts (e.g., [[Luke 2:40]], [[Acts 20:12]]) to a figurative reference for an immature Christian (e.g., [[1 John 2:13]]). Theologically, its significance is most pronounced in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus elevates the παιδίον as a living parable for entrance into the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the essential qualities of humility, dependence, and trust ([[Matthew 18:3]]). In the Johannine epistles, it often serves as a tender address from an elder to spiritual "little children," signifying either their initial stage of faith or simply a loving, pastoral relationship within the divine family. The term consistently conveys a sense of vulnerability, potential, and the profound need for nurture, both physically and spiritually, underscoring God's valuing of the humble and His call for believers to embrace a childlike faith.
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