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παιδίον (paidion)

paidion

child

G3813 · Greek · New Testament · 49 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
49 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The word paidion is a diminutive form meaning "little child" or "young one." It covers the entire span from infancy to adolescence, referring to an infant in Matthew 2:8 or a more mature boy in Mark 9:36. This flexibility allows it to describe the baby Jesus in Luke 2:17 just as easily as it describes the young girl raised by Jesus in Mark 5:41.

Its root conveys smallness and tenderness, often highlighting vulnerability or dependence. In John 21:5, Jesus uses it colloquially to address his disciples as "boys," a familiar term that bridges the gap between authority and affection. This usage shows how the word can soften a command, making it feel personal rather than distant.

Theological discussions often contrast paidion with pais, which can mean slave or servant. While pais carries legal weight, paidion emphasizes relational closeness. Paul uses this nuance in 1 Corinthians 14:20, urging believers to stop being "children" in their thinking, implying that spiritual maturity requires moving beyond simple, dependent understanding.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word paidion carries a warmth that simple translations often miss. It means “little child” or “young one,” capturing a stage of life defined by dependence and trust. When the Gospel writers use this term, they are not just describing age; they are highlighting a posture of the heart. Whether referring to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem or the young girl raised from the dead, the word emphasizes vulnerability and the need for care.

In our own lives, this term invites us to consider how we relate to God. Jesus did not call his followers to become independent experts, but to return to a state of humble reliance. He used paidion to describe the very nature of those who enter the Kingdom. It is a reminder that spiritual strength often looks like simple trust, much like a child leaning on a parent’s hand.

This perspective shifts how we view our own limitations. Instead of striving for self-sufficiency, we are invited to bring our smallness and needs directly to Jesus. He welcomes the little ones, not despite their weakness, but because their openness allows His strength to be fully present in their lives.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 49 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • child12×
  • Child7×
  • little children6×
  • children5×
  • little child3×
  • children.3×
  • a child3×
  • Child.3×
  • child,2×
  • a child,2×
  • to little children1×
  • the child1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • παιδίον22×
  • παιδία9×
  • παιδίον,5×
  • παιδίου4×
  • παιδίων.¶3×
  • παιδίοις2×
  • παιδία,2×
  • παιδίων1×
  • παιδίου.¶1×
  • παιδίου.1×
  • παιδίον.1×
  • Παιδία,1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 18:3
    and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

    Jesus uses this term to define the essential posture of humility required for entry into the Kingdom, contrasting adult self-sufficiency with childlike dependence.

  • Mark 9:36
    He took a little child and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them,

    By physically taking a paidion into His arms, Jesus demonstrates that receiving the vulnerable is equivalent to receiving Him.

  • Matthew 2:11
    They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

    The Magi’s worship of the infant Jesus highlights the divine dignity hidden within human vulnerability and smallness.

  • Mark 5:41
    Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!”

    Jesus’ gentle touch and command to the paidion show His power working through personal, tender interaction rather than distant authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between paidion and other Greek words for child?

Paidion is a diminutive form that emphasizes smallness, tenderness, and dependence. Unlike pais, which can mean servant or slave with legal weight, paidion focuses on relational closeness and vulnerability. It covers a wide age range, from infancy to adolescence, depending on the context.

Why does Jesus use this word when talking about the Kingdom of God?

In passages like Matthew 18:3, Jesus uses paidion to illustrate that entering the Kingdom requires humility and trust. He contrasts adult self-reliance with the natural dependence of a child, suggesting that spiritual maturity involves returning to a posture of open reliance on God.

Does this word only refer to babies?

No, it refers to a young person or child across a broad developmental range. In Mark 9:36, Jesus handles a boy who is old enough to be set in the middle of a group, while in Matthew 2:11, it refers to an infant. The common thread is their status as dependents rather than their exact age.

Every Occurrence (49 verses across 7 books)

Matthew 16 verses
Matthew 2:8

He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…

Matthew 2:9

They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until…

Matthew 2:11

They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening…

Matthew 2:13

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…

Matthew 2:14

He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt,

Matthew 2:20

“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s…

Matthew 2:21

He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

Matthew 11:16

“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their…

Matthew 14:21

Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.

Matthew 15:38

Those who ate were four thousand men, in addition to women and children.

Matthew 18:2

Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them

Matthew 18:3

and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the…

Matthew 18:4

Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:5

Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,

Matthew 19:13

Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.

Matthew 19:14

But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to…

Mark 11 verses
Luke 14 verses
John 3 verses
I Corinthians 1 verse
Hebrews 3 verses
I John 1 verse