Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, infants are often depicted as symbols of innocence, purity, and the beginning of life. They are seen as blessings from God and are integral to the family structure ordained by Him. The Scriptures provide various insights into the significance of infants, their spiritual status, and the responsibilities of parents toward them.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Blessings and Gifts from God: Infants are frequently described as blessings from the Lord. In Psalm 127:3, it is written, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse underscores the belief that children, including infants, are divine gifts and should be cherished. 2. Innocence and Purity: Infants are often associated with innocence and purity. Jesus Himself highlighted the importance of childlike qualities in spiritual life. In Matthew 18:3, He said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This statement emphasizes the purity and humility that infants naturally possess. 3. Protection and Care: The Bible places a strong emphasis on the protection and nurturing of infants. In Exodus 2, the account of Moses as an infant illustrates the lengths to which his family went to protect him from harm. This narrative reflects the broader biblical principle of safeguarding the vulnerable. 4. Spiritual Significance: Infants are not only seen as physical beings but also as having spiritual significance. In Luke 1:41, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, "the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." This passage suggests that even unborn infants can be responsive to spiritual realities. Parental Responsibilities 1. Instruction and Discipline: Parents are charged with the responsibility of raising their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This instruction begins from infancy, laying a foundation for a life of faith. 2. Love and Nurture: The Bible commands parents to love and nurture their children. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This nurturing begins in infancy and is crucial for the child's development. 3. Dedication to God: The practice of dedicating infants to God is seen in the Bible. Hannah's dedication of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 is a notable example: "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD." This act signifies the parents' commitment to raising the child according to God's will. Infants in the Life of Jesus The life of Jesus Christ Himself began with His incarnation as an infant, highlighting the sanctity and significance of infancy. The nativity account in Luke 2:7 describes His humble birth: "And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Jesus' early life, including His presentation at the temple (Luke 2:22-24), underscores the importance of infants in God's redemptive plan. Conclusion The Bible presents infants as precious gifts from God, embodying innocence and purity. They are to be nurtured, protected, and raised in the knowledge of the Lord. Through various narratives and teachings, Scripture emphasizes the spiritual and familial significance of infants, calling parents to a high standard of care and dedication. Greek 1025. brephos -- an unborn or a newborn child ... Word Origin a prim. word Definition an unborn or a newborn child NASB Word Usage babies (2), baby (4), childhood (1), infants (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1025.htm - 6k 3515. nepiazo -- to be an infant 3516. nepios -- an infant, fig. a simple-minded or immature person Strong's Hebrew 3243. yanaq -- to suck... root Definition to suck NASB Word Usage draw (1), infant (3), infants (2), milking (1), nurse (11), nursed (3), nurses (1), nursing (1), nursing babes (1 ... /hebrew/3243.htm - 6k 5768. olel -- a child 7699a. shad -- (female) breast 2945. taph -- children Library Of Infants. On the Infants of Believers when they are Offered for Baptism On Infants' Early Deaths. Are Infants Also to be Baptized? And, Therefore, as Infants Cannot Learn to Speak Except by ... Whether the Mind of Infants Knows Itself. A Twofold Mistake Respecting Infants. The Catholic Faith Concerning Infants. Infants are not Judged According to that which they are Foreknown ... Infants Saved as Sinners. Thesaurus Infants (71 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Infants (71 Occurrences). ... Matthew 24:19 And alas for the women who at that time are with child or have infants! (WEY WBS). ... /i/infants.htm - 28k Infant (14 Occurrences) Alas (62 Occurrences) Women (328 Occurrences) Baptismal (1 Occurrence) Nonimmersionist Non-immersionist View (86 Occurrences) Regeneration (2 Occurrences) Nurse (23 Occurrences) Resources Why were infants dashed to pieces (Nahum 3:10)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Psalm 137:9 mean when it says, “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Infants (71 Occurrences)Matthew 11:25 Matthew 21:16 Matthew 24:19 Mark 13:17 Luke 10:21 Luke 18:15 Luke 18:16 Luke 21:23 Luke 23:29 Acts 7:19 Romans 2:20 1 Corinthians 3:1 1 Corinthians 14:20 Ephesians 4:14 1 Peter 2:2 Genesis 34:29 Genesis 43:8 Genesis 45:19 Genesis 46:5 Genesis 47:12 Genesis 47:24 Genesis 50:8 Genesis 50:21 Exodus 10:10 Exodus 10:24 Exodus 12:37 Numbers 14:3 Numbers 14:31 Numbers 16:27 Numbers 31:9 Numbers 31:17 Numbers 31:18 Numbers 32:16 Numbers 32:17 Numbers 32:24 Numbers 32:26 Deuteronomy 1:39 Deuteronomy 2:34 Deuteronomy 3:6 Deuteronomy 3:19 Deuteronomy 20:14 Deuteronomy 29:11 Deuteronomy 31:12 Deuteronomy 32:25 Joshua 1:14 Joshua 8:35 Judges 18:21 Judges 21:10 1 Samuel 15:3 1 Samuel 22:19 2 Samuel 15:22 2 Chronicles 20:13 2 Chronicles 31:18 Ezra 8:21 Esther 8:11 Job 3:16 Psalms 8:2 Psalms 137:9 Isaiah 13:16 Isaiah 13:18 Jeremiah 40:7 Jeremiah 41:16 Jeremiah 44:7 Lamentations 1:5 Lamentations 2:11 Lamentations 2:19 Lamentations 2:20 Lamentations 4:4 Hosea 13:16 Joel 2:16 Nahum 3:10 Subtopics Related Terms |