5040. teknion

Lexicon

teknion: Little child, dear child

Original Word: τεκνίον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: teknion
Pronunciation: tek-nee'-on
Phonetic Spelling: (tek-nee'-on)
Definition: Little child, dear child
Meaning: a little child.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

little child

Diminutive 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 Origin
dim. of teknon
Definition
a little child
NASB Translation
little children (8).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5040: τεκνίον

τεκνίον, 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),; . (Anthol.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Diminutive form of τέκνον (teknon), meaning "child."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for the Greek diminutive τεκνίον, the concept of "child" or "children" in a familial and affectionate sense can be related to Hebrew terms such as בֵּן (ben, Strong's Hebrew 1121) meaning "son" or "child," and יֶלֶד (yeled, Strong's Hebrew 3206) meaning "child" or "boy." These terms similarly convey the idea of offspring and can be used in contexts of endearment and familial relationships.

Usage: The word τεκνίον is used in the New Testament to address believers with a tone of tenderness and affection, emphasizing a close, familial relationship. It appears primarily in the writings of the Apostle John.

Context: The term τεκνίον is found in the New Testament, particularly in the Johannine epistles, where it is used to express a deep, pastoral affection for the recipients of the letters. The Apostle John employs this term to address the members of the early Christian community, highlighting the intimate and nurturing relationship between spiritual leaders and their congregations.

In 1 John 2:1, John writes, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Here, τεκνίον underscores the tender concern John has for the spiritual well-being of his readers, encouraging them to live righteously while also reassuring them of Christ's advocacy.

Similarly, in 1 John 2:12-13, John uses τεκνίον to address different groups within the church, reinforcing the idea of a spiritual family united in faith and love. The use of this term reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family, where believers are cared for and guided with love and compassion.

The diminutive nature of τεκνίον not only conveys affection but also implies a sense of dependency and the need for guidance, much like a child relies on a parent. This reflects the broader biblical theme of believers as children of God, who are nurtured and instructed in the faith.

Forms and Transliterations

τέκνα τεκνια Τεκνία tekna tékna Teknia Teknía

Englishman's Concordance

John 13:33 N-VNP
GRK: 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
GRK: Τεκνία μου ταῦτα
NAS: My little children, I am writing
KJV: My little children, these things
INT: Little children my these things

1 John 2:12 N-VNP
GRK: Γράφω ὑμῖν τεκνία ὅτι ἀφέωνται
NAS: I am writing to you, little children, because
KJV: unto you, little children, because
INT: I write to you little children because have been forgiven

1 John 2:28 N-VNP
GRK: Καὶ νῦν τεκνία μένετε ἐν
NAS: Now, little children, abide in Him, so
KJV: And now, little children, abide in
INT: And now little children abide in

1 John 3:7 N-VNP
GRK: Τεκνία μηδεὶς πλανάτω
NAS: Little children, make sure no one
KJV: Little children, let no man
INT: Little children no one let lead astray

1 John 3:18 N-VNP
GRK: Τεκνία μὴ ἀγαπῶμεν
NAS: Little children, let us not love
KJV: My little children, let us not
INT: Little children not we should love

1 John 4:4 N-VNP
GRK: θεοῦ ἐστέ τεκνία καὶ νενικήκατε
NAS: You are from God, little children, and have overcome
KJV: God, little children, and
INT: God are little children and have overcome

1 John 5:21 N-VNP
GRK: Τεκνία φυλάξατε ἑαυτὰ
NAS: Little children, guard yourselves
KJV: Little children, keep yourselves
INT: Little children keep yourselves

Strong's Greek 5040
8 Occurrences

Τεκνία — 8 Occ.