Lexical Summary paidiothen: from childhood, since childhood Original Word: παιδιόθεν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance from infancyAdverb (of source) from paidion; from infancy -- of a child. see GREEK paidion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paidion Definition from childhood NASB Translation childhood (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3812: παιδιόθενπαιδιόθεν (παιδίον), adverb, from childhood, from a child, (a later word, for which the earlier writings used ἐκ παιδός, Xenophon, Cyril 5, 1, 2; or ἐκ παιδίου, mem. 2, 2, 8; or ἐκ παιδίων, oec. 3, 10; (cf. Winer's Grammar, 26 (25); 463 (431))): Mark 9:21, where L T Tr WH ἐκ παιδιόθεν (cf. Winers § 65,2). (Synes. de provid., p. 91 b.; Joann. Zonar. 4, 184 a.). Topical Lexicon Word Usage and Context Strong’s Greek 3812 occurs once, in Mark 9:21. The father of the demon-tormented boy tells Jesus the affliction has been present “from childhood.” The adverb pinpoints the earliest stages of life, conveying both duration and depth of suffering. Mark alone preserves this detail, highlighting the hopelessness of a condition that had persisted through every natural remedy and religious effort known to the family. Narrative Significance in Mark 9:14-29 • The statement establishes the chronic nature of demonic oppression, intensifying the scene’s dramatic tension. Theological Insights 1. Total Need, Total Deliverance The boy’s condition “from childhood” underscores human inability to self-deliver from spiritual darkness. The miracle illustrates salvation itself: sin’s grip begins early (Psalm 51:5) and endures until Christ intervenes (Romans 5:6). A bondage rooted in the past yields instantly to the timeless authority of Jesus. What has defined a person’s entire life does not limit the Savior. Lifelong affliction can erode hope, yet genuine faith surfaces when confronted by Jesus. The father’s confession models honest, dependent faith that the Church may emulate in protracted pastoral crises. Intertextual Connections • 2 Timothy 3:15 speaks of Timothy knowing the Scriptures “from childhood” (Greek ἀπὸ βρέφους), paralleling the idea that early influences mark a life—for bondage or for blessing. Historical Background In first-century Judaism, childhood was a formative period guarded by family and synagogue instruction (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Illness or demonic possession at such a stage carried social stigma and theological questions (John 9:2). The father’s appeal to Jesus shows he has exhausted traditional avenues—scribes (Mark 9:14), communal prayer, perhaps even exorcists—without relief. Mark’s Gospel, likely composed for Roman believers, employs this single word to evoke sympathy in a culture that prized physical vigor and patriarchal honor. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Long-standing Issues: Ministers often encounter congregants whose struggles trace back to childhood trauma or habitual sin. Mark 9:21 assures them that Christ’s power transcends duration. Doctrinal Implications 1. Demonology and Spiritual Warfare The episode affirms the reality of demonic oppression and the necessity of Christ’s direct authority for deliverance. Salvation is not incremental self-improvement but decisive liberation by Jesus. Even a lifetime’s bondage yields instantly to His word, illustrating justification by grace through faith. Humans are spiritually vulnerable from childhood; universal need for redemption is not confined to mature transgressions. Practical Reflections for Today • Parents are encouraged to intercede early and continually for their children’s spiritual well-being. Summative Insight Strong’s 3812, though appearing only once, accentuates a profound biblical truth: no period of bondage, however entrenched “from childhood,” can withstand the liberating command of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations παιδιοθεν παιδιόθεν paidiothen paidióthenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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