Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the term "infant" refers to a very young child, typically one who is still in the early stages of life. Infants are often mentioned in Scripture in the context of family, community, and the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Bible provides various insights into the significance and treatment of infants, reflecting the value placed on human life from its earliest stages.Biblical References and Context 1. Creation and Value of Life: The Bible affirms the sanctity of life from conception. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God's intimate involvement in the formation of a person in the womb: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" . This passage highlights the belief that life is sacred and divinely ordained from the very beginning. 2. Infants in the Old Testament: Infants are often mentioned in the context of family lineage and God's promises. In Genesis 21:1-7, the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age is a fulfillment of God's promise, demonstrating His faithfulness and the importance of offspring in the continuation of God's covenant. 3. Protection and Care: The Mosaic Law includes provisions for the protection and care of infants. For example, Exodus 22:22-24 warns against mistreating widows and orphans, implicitly including infants in the call for justice and compassion. The care for the vulnerable, including infants, is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. 4. Infants in the New Testament: The New Testament continues to emphasize the value of infants. In the Gospels, Jesus' own infancy is recorded, highlighting His humanity and the fulfillment of prophecy. Luke 2:16-20 describes the shepherds visiting the newborn Jesus, underscoring the significance of His birth. 5. Jesus and Children: Jesus' attitude towards children, including infants, is one of welcome and blessing. In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus rebukes His disciples for hindering children from coming to Him, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" . This passage illustrates the value Jesus places on children and their place in the kingdom of God. 6. Spiritual Symbolism: Infants are sometimes used symbolically in Scripture to represent purity, innocence, and the need for spiritual rebirth. In 1 Peter 2:2, believers are encouraged to "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" , drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual nourishment. Theological Implications The biblical portrayal of infants underscores several key theological themes. First, it affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every human life, created in the image of God. Second, it highlights the importance of family and community in nurturing and protecting the young. Third, it reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness, as seen in the birth and preservation of key figures in salvation history. Infants, therefore, are not only a symbol of new life and hope but also a reminder of God's ongoing work in the world through successive generations. The care and protection of infants are seen as a moral and spiritual responsibility, reflecting the character of God as a loving and compassionate Father. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A child in the first period of life, beginning at his birth; a young babe; sometimes, a child several years of age.2. (n.) A person who is not of full age, or who has not attained the age of legal capacity; a person under the age of twenty-one years; a minor. 3. (n.) Same as Infante. 4. (a.) of or pertaining to infancy, or the first period of life; tender; not mature; as, infant strength. 5. (a.) Intended for young children; as, an infant school. 6. (v. t.) To bear or bring forth, as a child; hence, to produce, in general. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAPTISM, INFANTSee BAPTISM (I), II; (II), III, 3, v; (III), III, 3. INFANT, BAPTISM in'-fant. Greek 3516. nepios -- an infant, fig. a simple-minded or immature person ... 3515, 3516. nepios. 3517 . an infant, fig. a simple-minded ... an infant, child. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition an infant, fig. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3516.htm - 6k 3515. nepiazo -- to be an infant 1025. brephos -- an unborn or a newborn child 3813. paidion -- a young child 4683. sparganoo -- to wrap in swaddling clothes 5040. teknion -- a little child 2012. epitropos -- an administrator (one having authority) 451. Hanna -- Anna, a prophetess Strong's Hebrew 5764. ul -- a sucking child, suckling... 5763, 5764. ul. 5765 . a sucking child, suckling. Transliteration: ul Phonetic Spelling: (ool) Short Definition: infant. ... sucking child, infant. ... /hebrew/5764.htm - 6k 5768. olel -- a child 3243. yanaq -- to suck Library The Angel and the Infant Infant Salvation For an Infant School. Infant Baptism. Death of an Infant. Infant Baptism. Dirge for an Infant. An Empty Book is Like an Infant's Soul Christ the Saviour Even of Infants; Christ, when an Infant, was ... Argument: the Story About Christians Drinking the Blood of an ... Thesaurus Infant (14 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) Same as Infante. 4. (a.) of or pertaining to infancy, or the first period of life; tender; not mature; as, infant strength. ... BAPTISM, INFANT. ... /i/infant.htm - 12k Infant's (1 Occurrence) Infanticide Baby (23 Occurrences) Babe (15 Occurrences) Nurse (23 Occurrences) Nursing (14 Occurrences) Baptist (16 Occurrences) Infancy (2 Occurrences) Midwife (4 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? | GotQuestions.orgIs christening in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible teach believer's baptism/credobaptism? | GotQuestions.org Infant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Infant (14 Occurrences)Hebrews 5:13 Numbers 11:12 Numbers 12:12 1 Samuel 15:3 1 Samuel 22:19 Esther 3:13 Job 3:16 Job 24:9 Isaiah 65:20 Jeremiah 44:7 Jeremiah 51:27 Lamentations 2:11 Lamentations 4:4 Ezekiel 9:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |