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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding key Greek words like νήπιος (nēpios) is essential for interpreting the nuances of Scripture. This word is particularly significant because it highlights an important metaphorical concept of spiritual immaturity versus wisdom, often contrasted with maturity or insight. Nēpios appears in Matthew 11:25, where Jesus thanks the Father for hiding divine truths from the “wise and learned” and revealing them to “babes” (nēpios). The word offers insight into ancient Greek culture’s view on knowledge and maturity, which enriches our understanding of the New Testament message of humility and receptivity to God’s revelation.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νήπιος (nēpios), pronounced nay-pee-os.

Etymology: Νήπιος derives from the negative prefix νη- (nē-), meaning “not,” and the Greek root ἔπος (epos), meaning “word” or “speech.” Together, it forms the idea of being “without speech,” which refers to an infant or very young child, someone who cannot yet speak or express mature thoughts.

Part of Speech: Noun. In this case, it describes a person who is considered immature, typically an infant or child, metaphorically used to describe a lack of maturity in understanding or spirituality.

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Defining Meanings

1. Infant or Child: The primary meaning of nēpios is an infant or very young child, specifically one who has not yet developed the ability to speak or think with maturity. This meaning is often used literally in both Biblical and classical contexts.

2. Metaphor for Immaturity: In a figurative sense, nēpios is used to describe someone who is spiritually or intellectually immature. In 1 Corinthians 3:1, Paul refers to the Corinthians as “babes” in Christ, using nēpios to indicate their lack of spiritual growth.

3. Symbol of Innocence: While nēpios often carries a negative connotation of immaturity, it can also signify innocence or simplicity, as in Matthew 11:25, where those described as “babes” are commended for their receptivity to divine truth.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Παῖς (pais) [pronunciation: pah-eess]: Refers to a child or servant, and though often used to describe a young person, it carries broader meanings than nēpios. It can imply someone who serves, not just a childlike state.

2. Τέκνον (teknon) [pronunciation: tek-non]: A term for “child” in a general sense, typically used to describe someone who is an offspring, with less focus on immaturity than nēpios.

3. Μωρός (mōros) [pronunciation: mo-ros]: Meaning “foolish” or “unwise,” mōros differs from nēpios by focusing more on intellectual foolishness rather than a state of childhood or innocence.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Nēpios is a masculine noun, though it can be used generically to describe infants regardless of gender. It is most commonly found in the nominative and accusative cases, used to describe subjects or direct objects in a sentence.

Declension: Nēpios follows a second declension pattern, which is typical of many masculine nouns in Greek. This involves a change in endings based on case and number, such as nēpios in the nominative singular and nēpioi in the nominative plural.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

According to multiple lexicons, including BDAG and Thayer’s, nēpios generally means “infant” or “young child.” It can also signify immaturity, especially in a spiritual sense. The word highlights a state of helplessness or dependency, both physically and intellectually. While it typically refers to literal children, its metaphorical use in the New Testament often focuses on a lack of spiritual discernment or growth. Classical Greek sources support this understanding, emphasizing the word’s connection to innocence or simplicity. However, in some contexts, it also refers to foolishness or naiveté.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 11:25: “At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants [νήπιος].’”

2. Galatians 4:1: “I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child [νήπιος], is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.”

3. 1 Corinthians 3:1: “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants [νήπιος] in Christ.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “The gods treat men like children [νήπιος], unaware of their fates.”

Plato Republic “Those who follow their desires are like infants [νήπιος], lacking the insight of reason.”

Aristotle Politics “An infant [νήπιος] is one who cannot speak or engage in rational discourse.”

Noteworthy Summary

Νήπιος (nēpios) primarily refers to an infant or child but has significant metaphorical usage in the New Testament, where it conveys spiritual immaturity or lack of understanding. It appears in key passages such as Matthew 11:25 and 1 Corinthians 3:1, where it highlights a contrast between those who are wise and those who are dependent or lacking maturity. Classical Greek texts reinforce this idea, often using the word to describe simplicity or naiveté. Understanding nēpios enriches the interpretation of New Testament passages, particularly in discussions of growth, wisdom, and humility.

Did You Know?

1. The root of nēpios (νη- and ἔπος) means “without speech,” making the word’s literal meaning “one who cannot speak.”

2. In the Septuagint, nēpios is often used to describe Israel in its infancy as a nation, emphasizing its need for guidance from God.

3. The word nēpios is frequently used in the writings of early Church Fathers to contrast the mature believer with those still needing basic instruction in the faith.