Berean Strong's Lexicon népios: Infant, child, immature, simple-minded Original Word: νήπιος Word Origin: Derived from a compound of the negative particle "νη" (nē, meaning "not") and "ἔπος" (epos, meaning "word" or "speech"), indicating a lack of speech or understanding. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is "טַף" (taf, Strong's H2945), which refers to children or little ones. Usage: The term "νήπιος" is used in the New Testament to describe someone who is an infant or child, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. It often conveys the idea of immaturity, simplicity, or lack of understanding. In a spiritual context, it can refer to those who are immature in their faith or understanding of spiritual matters. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, children were often seen as lacking in reason and understanding, which is reflected in the use of "νήπιος" to describe those who are not yet mature. The term could also imply a need for growth and development, both physically and spiritually. In Jewish culture, children were valued as a blessing from God, yet they were also expected to grow into maturity and wisdom. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition an infant, fig. a simple-minded or immature person NASB Translation child (5), childish (1), children (2), immature (1), infant (1), infants (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3516: νήπιοςνήπιος, νήπια, νήπιον (from νή, an insep. neg. prefix (Latinnefas, nequam, nisi, etc. cf. Curtius, § 437), and ἔπος); as in Greek writers from Homer down, a. an infant, little child: Matthew 21:16 (from Psalm 8:3); 1 Corinthians 13:11; the Sept. especially for עולֵל and עולָל. b. a minor, not of age: Galatians 4:1 (cf. Lightfoot at the passage). c. metaphorically, childish, untaught, unskilled (the Sept. for פְּתִי, Psalm 18:8 From an obsolete particle ne- (implying negation) and epos; not speaking, i.e. An infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian -- babe, child (+ -ish). see GREEK epos Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:25 Adj-DMPGRK: ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ νηπίοις NAS: and have revealed them to infants. KJV: hast revealed them unto babes. INT: did reveal them to little children Matthew 21:16 Adj-GMP Luke 10:21 Adj-DMP Romans 2:20 Adj-GMP 1 Corinthians 3:1 Adj-DMP 1 Corinthians 13:11 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 13:11 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 13:11 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 13:11 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 13:11 Adj-GMS Galatians 4:1 Adj-NMS Galatians 4:3 Adj-NMP Ephesians 4:14 Adj-NMP 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Adj-NMP Hebrews 5:13 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 3516 |