Lexical Summary teknion: Little child, dear child Original Word: τεκνίον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance little childDiminutive of teknon; an infant, i.e. (plural figuratively) darlings (Christian converts) -- little children. see GREEK teknon HELPS Word-studies 5040 tekníon(the diminutive form of 5043 /téknon, "child") – a little child; (figuratively) someone deeply loved (endeared). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindim. of teknon Definition a little child NASB Translation little children (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5040: τεκνίοντεκνίον, τεκνιου, τό (diminutive of τέκνον, which see; (on the accent, cf. Winers Grammar, 52; Chandler § 347)), a little child; in the N. T. used as a term of kindly address by teachers to their disciples (always in the plural little children: Mark 10:24 Lachmann); John 13:33; Galatians 4:19 (where L text T Tr WH marginal reading τέκνα); 1 John 2:1, 12, 28; 1 John 3:7 (WH marginal reading παιδία), Topical Lexicon Entry Overview The diminutive term translated “little children” (Strong’s Greek 5040) appears eight times in the Greek New Testament, all within Johannine literature—John 13:33 and seven times in 1 John. It functions not as a comment on physical age but as an affectionate, pastoral address that highlights spiritual kinship, dependence, and intimacy within God’s family. Usage in the Fourth Gospel In John 13:33, the only Synoptic–gospel occurrence, Jesus employs the word during His Farewell Discourse: “Little children, I am with you only a little longer” (John 13:33). The setting is the upper room just after Judas’s departure. The address frames the disciples as a fledgling covenant community about to lose their visible Shepherd. By choosing this tender diminutive, Jesus prepares them for His absence while assuring continued relational closeness through the promised Spirit. Usage in 1 John The seven epistolary uses reveal a deliberate pastoral strategy: John cycles the address to knit doctrine, ethics, and assurance together. Each new mention introduces a key thematic pivot: atonement, abiding, righteousness, love, discernment, and covenant fidelity. Theological Significance 1. Spiritual Fatherhood and Apostolic Authority John’s repeated use of the diminutive underscores not merely affection but legitimate spiritual paternity. Like Paul’s “my children” in Galatians 4:19, John’s phrase authenticates instructive authority grounded in sacrificial care, not domination. 2. Covenant Family Identity The term reinforces the notion that salvation places believers inside a household (Ephesians 2:19). “Little children” signals mutual belonging under one heavenly Father (1 John 3:1) and serves as a constant reminder that Christian ethics flow from familial identity. 3. Dependence and Formation Children are learners and imitators. John capitalizes on this image to call his readers to “abide” (1 John 2:28) and to mirror divine righteousness (1 John 3:7). The word choice sets expectancy for growth while affirming sustained dependency on grace. Historical Echoes in Early Church Life Early Christian writings preserve the same familial vocabulary. Polycarp, Clement of Alexandria, and the Didache all echo the “little children” motif when admonishing believers. This continuity suggests the Johannine pastoral model became normative: leaders as nurturing parents, congregants as maturing offspring. Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Tone Modern shepherds gain a template for addressing congregations—firm instruction bound with evident tenderness. Authority devoid of affection breeds legalism; affection without authority breeds license. The diminutive maintains balance. 2. Discipleship Pathways The repeated pattern—identity, exhortation, promise—offers a curricular outline for mentoring new believers. Each occurrence of 5040 can anchor a discipleship module: forgiveness, abiding, discernment, practical love, and vigilance against idolatry. 3. Corrective Loving Confrontation John confronts error (“let no one deceive you”) and idolatry while calling his audience “little children.” The combination models gracious correction, a timeless need in church discipline and counseling. Devotional Reflection Believers reading these passages hear the same Spirit-breathed voice addressing them as cherished offspring. The diminutive assures that every exhortation—whether to remain, love, overcome, or guard against idols—comes from a Father who delights in His children and equips them to obey. Summary Strong’s 5040 encapsulates the gospel’s relational heartbeat: redeemed people become God’s beloved family and are nurtured toward holiness through affectionate yet authoritative instruction. Jesus inaugurates the usage; John perpetuates it; the Church inherits it as both comfort and commission. Forms and Transliterations τέκνα τεκνια Τεκνία tekna tékna Teknia TekníaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 13:33 N-VNPGRK: Τεκνία ἔτι μικρὸν NAS: Little children, I am KJV: Little children, yet a little while INT: Little children yet a little while 1 John 2:1 N-VNP 1 John 2:12 N-VNP 1 John 2:28 N-VNP 1 John 3:7 N-VNP 1 John 3:18 N-VNP 1 John 4:4 N-VNP 1 John 5:21 N-VNP |
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