### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **paízō**, represented by `{{G3815}}`, means **to sport (as a boy)** or to **play**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its specific context crucial to its meaning. The word is derived from the Greek term for a boy or child, παῖς.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3815}}` is in [[1 Corinthians 10:7]], as part of a warning against idolatry. The verse states, "as{G5613} it is written{G1125}, The people{G2992} sat down{G2523} to eat{G5315} and{G2532} drink{G4095}, and{G2532} rose up{G450} to **play**." This links the act of "playing" directly to the idolatrous activities of the Israelites. The context is not one of innocent recreation but of revelry that follows feasting associated with idol worship, serving as a historical example of behavior to be avoided.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its single biblical context help clarify the meaning of `{{G3815}}`:
* `{{G1496}}` **eidōlolátrēs** (idolater): Defined as an "image- (servant or) worshipper," this word establishes the central theme of spiritual corruption. This term is often found in lists of those whose behavior excludes them from the kingdom of God [[1 Corinthians 6:9]].
* `{{G5315}}` **phágō** (to eat): This primary verb for eating describes the feasting that precedes the "playing." While it can refer to taking what God provides, like the tree of life [[Revelation 2:7]], its pairing with idolatry here gives it a negative connotation.
* `{{G450}}` **anístēmi** (to stand up, arise): This word signifies the transition from one activity to another. While it is used powerfully to describe rising from the dead [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]], here it marks the move toward idolatrous activity after the people had sat down to eat.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3815}}` is derived entirely from its singular, negative context.
* **A Symbol of Idolatry:** The word **play** is not used to describe harmless fun but is instead presented as the outcome of idolatry. It is the action for which the people "rose up" after feasting, making it a behavior that believers are explicitly warned not to emulate [[1 Corinthians 10:7]].
* **The Culmination of Worldly Indulgence:** The sequence of actions—sitting to **eat** `{{G5315}}` and **drink** `{{G4095}}` before rising to **play**—illustrates a progression. It portrays a descent into worldly indulgence that culminates in an act of irreverence, set in direct opposition to proper worship.
* **A Cautionary Historical Example:** By quoting scripture ("as it is written"), the passage grounds the warning in a specific event from Israel's past. The "play" of the people becomes a timeless lesson on the dangers of mixing worship with pagan revelry.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3815}}` is a term whose biblical meaning is defined by its sole appearance. Far from its base definition of boyish sport, it represents idolatrous revelry. The word functions as a sharp warning, linking physical indulgence with spiritual failure. Its use in [[1 Corinthians 10:7]] serves as a potent reminder that actions must be understood by their spiritual context, showing how an otherwise neutral activity can become a symbol of rebellion against God.
TRV