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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for grasping the depth and nuances of the New Testament. One such word, νηπιάζω (nēpiazō), occurs in 1 Corinthians 14:20, where Paul instructs believers not to be immature in their thinking. The word is significant because it conveys the idea of acting or being like a child, with its implications for spiritual growth and maturity. Examining nēpiazō sheds light on the broader cultural and theological themes of spiritual development in the early Christian community, as well as its classical Greek context, where the word often carried connotations of childlike simplicity or immaturity.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νηπιάζω (nēpiazō), pronounced nay-pee-ad-zo.

Etymology: Νηπιάζω derives from the Greek root νήπιος (nēpios), meaning “infant” or “child,” combined with the verb-forming suffix -ζω, which conveys an action or behavior. In essence, the word means “to act like a child” or “to be childish.”

Part of Speech: Verb. In this case, nēpiazō describes an action or state of being, specifically acting in a way associated with immaturity or childishness.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Act Like a Child: The primary meaning of nēpiazō is “to act in a childlike manner.” In 1 Corinthians 14:20, Paul uses this term metaphorically, urging believers to be mature in their thinking, not spiritually immature or childlike.

2. To Be Immature: The word can also carry the broader sense of being inexperienced or immature, not just in age but also in knowledge or understanding. It emphasizes a lack of spiritual or intellectual growth, which Paul contrasts with the wisdom expected of mature believers.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Νήπιος (nēpios) [pronunciation: nay-pee-os]: Meaning “infant” or “child,” this noun is the root of nēpiazō and directly refers to young children, often used to describe literal infancy or lack of speech.

2. Παιδίον (paidion) [pronunciation: pai-dee-on]: This word also means “child” but is used more broadly to refer to a young person rather than an infant specifically. It carries fewer negative connotations of immaturity.

3. Μωρός (mōros) [pronunciation: mo-ros]: Meaning “foolish” or “stupid,” mōros contrasts with nēpiazō by focusing more on intellectual foolishness rather than childlike behavior. However, the two terms can overlap in contexts of immaturity.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: In 1 Corinthians 14:20, nēpiazō is in the present active imperative form, reflecting Paul’s command to the Corinthian believers not to act in a childish or immature way. The present tense indicates an ongoing action, while the imperative mood denotes a direct command.

Person and Number: The verb is in the second person plural form, addressing the community of believers collectively and urging them to avoid childish thinking.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In Greek lexicons, nēpiazō is consistently defined as “to be childish” or “to act like a child.” Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s place emphasis on the figurative usage of the word in the New Testament, especially its use in moral and spiritual exhortation. It contrasts with maturity, a theme central to many of Paul’s letters. Theological lexicons highlight that this term carries more than just behavioral implications, as it points to spiritual immaturity or a lack of discernment. Ancient Greek sources also use nēpiazō to describe innocence or naiveté, often with a neutral or positive connotation, but Paul uses it negatively in 1 Corinthians to warn against lack of wisdom.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 1 Corinthians 14:20: “Brothers, do not be children [νηπιάζω] in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.”

2. Galatians 4:1: While the word nēpiazō does not appear directly, the concept of spiritual immaturity versus growth is discussed, highlighting the same themes.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “They act like children [νηπιάζω], unaware of the consequences of their actions.”

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics “The young are prone to act childishly [νηπιάζω], lacking the maturity of wisdom.”

Plato Republic “Those who follow their base desires are like children [νηπιάζω], unable to see the truth.”

Noteworthy Summary

Νηπιάζω (nēpiazō) is a verb meaning “to act like a child” or “to be immature,” commonly used in both literal and metaphorical senses. In 1 Corinthians 14:20, Paul exhorts believers to avoid childish thinking and instead embrace maturity, particularly in their spiritual lives. This term carries significant weight in the New Testament as it highlights the need for growth, discernment, and wisdom in the Christian life. Classical Greek literature also uses the term to describe naivety and innocence, but in Paul’s context, it serves as a warning against spiritual immaturity.

Did You Know?

1. The root nēpios originally meant “without speech,” referring to infants who could not yet talk, hence its connotations of immaturity.

2. In ancient Greek society, nēpiazō was often used in philosophical discussions to contrast the wisdom of adulthood with the ignorance of youth.

3. Paul’s use of nēpiazō in 1 Corinthians is one of the few instances where the verb is employed in the New Testament, making it a unique term in his moral exhortation to the church.