"a little child; τεκνία, an endearing appellation, my dear children, Jn. 13:33; 1 Jn. 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21*"
Definition and meaning
a little child; τεκνία, an endearing appellation, my dear children, Jn. 13:33; 1 Jn. 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21*
In the original Greek the word is written: τεκνίον
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
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 teknion (G5040) across the King James Bible.
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
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Common questions
Strong's G5040 (teknion) is a Greek word that means: a little child; τεκνία, an endearing appellation, my dear children, Jn. 13:33; 1 Jn. 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21* It appears 9 times in the King James Bible.
The word teknion (G5040) appears 9 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5040 is teknion, a Greek word defined as: a little child; τεκνία, an endearing appellation, my dear children, Jn. 13:33; 1 Jn. 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
teknion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.