"an infant, babe, Mt. 2:8; but usually in NT as equiv. to παῖς, Mt. 14:21; Mk. 7:28, et al. freq.; pl. voc. used by way of endearment, my dear children, 1 Jn. 2:18; also as a term of familiar address, children, my lads, Jn. 21:5"
Definition and meaning
an infant, babe, Mt. 2:8; but usually in NT as equiv. to παῖς, Mt. 14:21; Mk. 7:28, et al. freq.; pl. voc. used by way of endearment, my dear children, 1 Jn. 2:18; also as a term of familiar address, children, my lads, Jn. 21:5
In the original Greek the word is written: παιδίον
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of paidion (G3813) across the King James Bible.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3813 (paidion) is a Greek word that means: an infant, babe, Mt. 2:8; but usually in NT as equiv. to παῖς, Mt. 14:21; Mk. 7:28, et al. freq.; pl. voc. used by way of endearment, my dear children, 1 Jn. 2:18; also as a term of familiar address, ... It appears 48 times in the King James Bible.
The word paidion (G3813) appears 48 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3813 is paidion, a Greek word defined as: an infant, babe, Mt. 2:8; but usually in NT as equiv. to παῖς, Mt. 14:21; Mk. 7:28, et al. freq.; pl. voc. used by way of endearment, my dear children. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
paidion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.