νηπιάζω

I am childish, infantile

Definition

νηπιάζω means to be or act like a child or infant, carrying both a positive sense of innocence and a negative sense of immaturity. In its only New Testament occurrence (1 Corinthians 14:20), Paul uses it in the negative sense, urging believers not to be childish in their thinking but to be mature. The word implies a lack of developed understanding, reasoning, or discernment appropriate for an adult. While not used elsewhere in the NT, its root word (νήπιος) often describes spiritual immaturity or simplicity.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 14:20. Here, the Apostle Paul commands the Corinthians, 'Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children (νηπιάζετε).' The context is the misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues without interpretation, which displays a self-centered, undiscerning mindset. Paul contrasts this childish thinking with being 'infants in evil' but 'adults' or mature in thinking.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective νήπιος (nēpios, G3516), meaning 'infant,' 'child,' or 'minor.' The verb form νηπιάζω literally means 'to be like a νήπιος.' It belongs to a word family that emphasizes the state of childhood, often in contrast to adulthood or maturity.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the biblical call to spiritual maturity and discernment. Paul uses it to correct a community prioritizing spectacular spiritual experiences over edifying, understandable communication that builds up the church (1 Corinthians 14:1-19). It teaches that Christian faith involves growing in understanding and applying wisdom, not remaining in a simplistic or self-focused state. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that Paul is criticizing a specific mindset, not childlike faith in general.

In the Greco-Roman world, childhood was often viewed as a state of incompleteness, lacking full reason and self-control. Philosophers like Aristotle saw children as ruled by appetite and emotion, not logic. Paul draws on this understanding to critique the Corinthians' immature behavior, which was causing disorder in worship. The modern idealization of childhood innocence differs from this ancient focus on childhood as a state of intellectual and moral deficiency.

νήπιος (nēpios, G3516) — The root adjective meaning 'infant' or 'child,' often used for spiritual immaturity (e.g., 1 Corinthians 3:1). παιδίον (paidion, G3813) — A more general term for a young child, often used neutrally or affectionately. τέλειος (teleios, G5046) — An antonym meaning 'mature' or 'complete,' used as the positive goal in 1 Corinthians 14:20.

Word Details

Scripture References