Dictionary of Biblical Words:
Two words, distinct in the original, are thus translated in the New Testament. The one (neepios) is used reproachfully as descriptive of the state of Jews under the law (Gal. 4:3, trans. “children”) but is never used of a proper Christian state (Rom. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:1;13. 11; Eph. 6.14; Heb. 5.13). The word implies stunted, undeveloped, and especially “one who has not learned to speak.” Many children of God are in this state, and have never yet been able to say in childlike confidence “Abba Father!” The other word (brephos) is used 1 Peter 2:2, and is descriptive of the true simplicity that should characterize every believer rather than of any particular stage of Christian growth. These will be found in 1 John 2 It may thus be said that in the first sense we ought never, and in the second, we ought always, to be babes.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
Children an honor, childlessness a misfortune (Gen. 16:2; Deut. 7:14; 1 Sam. 1:6; 2 Sam. 6:23; 2 Kings 4:14; Psa. 127:3; Isa. 47:9, Jer. 20:15). Males circumcised on eighth day (Lev. 12:3). Weaning an occasion of rejoicing (Gen. 21:8).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
David proclaimed, “Lo, children are an heritage of Jehovah: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psa. 127:3). Women in the East had a great desire for children, as may be seen by Sarah, Rachel, and Leah giving their handmaids to their husbands that they might have children by them, and this ever characterized the women of Israel afterward.
The law commanded children to honor their parents, and if a son smote or cursed his parents he was put to death (Ex. 21:15,17). Parents were to teach the law to their children, and to chastise them when needed, and if a son was disobedient and contumacious the men of the city were to stone such a one (Deut. 21:18-21). The first born was claimed by God, and had to be redeemed (Ex. 13:13); and the eldest son inherited a double portion of his father’s possessions (Deut. 21:17).
Metaphorically we meet with “children of Zion,” “children of Belial,” “children of the devil,” often referring to their moral character.
In the New Testament various Greek words are translated children in the AV. Thus in 1 John 2:1, 12-13,18,28 “little children” occurs; and though correct, yet there is a difference in the words. 1 John 2:1,12,28 refer to all Christians as God’s children; but 1 John 2:13,18 refer to young children or babes as a class, in contrast to young men and fathers. Again, in many places where the word is νιός, and should be translated “sons,” the AV has “child” or “children” ( Rom. 9:26-27; 2 Cor. 3:7,13; Gal. 3:7,26; Eph. 2:2; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; 1 Thess. 5:5; Heb. 11:22; Heb. 12:5; Rev. 2:14; Rev. 7:4; Rev. 12:5; Rev. 21:12); besides often in the Gospels and Acts. See SON. Again, in Acts 4:27,30 the word is παῖς, which is as often translated “servant” as “child,” the word signifying both. In these verses it would be much better to translate “thy holy servant Jesus”; David is also called “servant” in Acts 4:25.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
diminutive of 5043; an infant, i.e. (plural figuratively) darlings (Christian converts)
KJV Usage:
little children