τέκνον (teknon)
teknon
child
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 91 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word teknon simply means a child, whether male or female, emphasizing the fact of being born rather than age or gender. In the New Testament, it appears frequently to describe literal offspring, such as when Jesus speaks of God giving good gifts to his children (Matthew 7:11) or when Mary and Joseph find the twelve-year-old in the temple (Luke 2:48). The term carries a sense of intimacy and natural belonging that distinguishes it from more formal words for offspring.
Beyond biological family, teknon expands into rich metaphorical territory. It describes spiritual relationships, such as Paul calling Timothy his "child in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2) or Jesus addressing the blind man with tender authority (Mark 2:5). The sources highlight its use for "children of God," a status defined by being led by the Spirit (Romans 8:16), and even for those who imitate evil as "children of the devil" (1 John 3:10). It can also refer to the inhabitants of a city, as when Jesus laments over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37).
Its etymological root connects it to the act of birthing or bringing forth, linking the child’s identity directly to their origin. This foundational meaning supports its varied uses, from physical descent to spiritual inheritance. Translators consistently render it as "child" or "children," preserving the word’s focus on relationship and origin rather than merely social status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word teknon carries a deep sense of belonging rooted in birth and origin. When Jesus calls someone a child, He acknowledges an intimate connection that goes beyond social status or age. This term reminds us that our identity as God’s children is not earned by performance but received through grace. It establishes a family bond where we are known, loved, and secure in our Father's care.
This language extends beyond biological ties to describe spiritual kinship. Whether referring to literal offspring or those adopted into God’s household, teknon highlights the reality of being part of a divine family. In moments of doubt or hardship, remembering this relationship can bring comfort. We are not orphans wandering alone but beloved children held by a loving Creator who knows our needs before we ask.
Understanding this word helps us see how Jesus interacts with people. He addresses individuals with tenderness, affirming their place in God’s plan. This perspective invites us to trust more fully in His provision and to extend similar grace to others around us. Our shared identity as children of God unites us across all differences.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 91 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- children63×
- child8×
- children,4×
- Son,3×
- Children,3×
- children;2×
- child,2×
- to children1×
- sons1×
- son,1×
- children!1×
- child;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τέκνα54×
- τέκνον,8×
- τέκνων7×
- τέκνον7×
- τέκνοις7×
- τέκνα,7×
- τέκνῳ2×
- τέκνῳ·1×
- τέκνου.1×
- τέκνου1×
- τέκνον·1×
- τέκνοις·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
This verse highlights the Father’s willingness to give good gifts, grounding our confidence in His parental care rather than human merit.
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Mark 2:5
Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Jesus uses this term to address a paralyzed man, showing how spiritual healing and forgiveness are offered with personal intimacy.
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Luke 11:13
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Here the focus shifts from general good gifts to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that God gives His best presence to those who ask.
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Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!
Jesus laments over Jerusalem using this word, revealing His heart for gathering and protecting His people despite their rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does teknon mean in the New Testament?
How is teknon different from other Greek words for child?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (91 verses across 23 books)
Matthew 12 verses
“A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she wouldn’t be…
Matthew 3:9Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to…
Matthew 7:11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven…
Matthew 9:2Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…
Matthew 10:21“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause…
Matthew 15:26But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Matthew 18:25But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and…
Matthew 19:29Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my…
Matthew 21:28But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’
Matthew 22:24saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up…
Matthew 23:37“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered…
Matthew 27:25All the people answered, “May his blood be on us and on our children!”