Bible Dictionary
Babe
A babe is a very young child. Scripture also uses the term figuratively for people who are immature or weak in spiritual understanding.
Definition
A babe is a very young child, including an unborn or newborn child or an infant unable to speak. The word may also describe a child or minor under the law and, figuratively, a person of limited understanding or spiritual growth.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses babe for children generally and for those who are simple or childlike in contrast with the wise. “Babes in Christ” are believers of little spiritual growth, described as carnal rather than spiritual.
Historical Background
The English term represents several biblical words with related senses, including infant, child, and one unable to speak.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Used of children generally (Matt. 11:25; 21:16; Luke 10:21; Rom. 2:20). It is used also of those who are weak in Christian faith and knowledge (1 Cor. 3:1; Heb. 5:13; 1 Pet. 2:2). In Isa. 3:4 the word “babes” refers to a succession of weak and wicked princes who reigned over Judah from the death of Josiah downward to the destruction of Jerusalem.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bab:</p><p>(1) na`ar; pais of a male infant 3 months old (Ex 2:6) translated elsewhere "boy" or "lad."</p><p>(2) `olel, ta`alulim, in the general sense of "child" (Ps 8:2; 17:14; Isa 3:4).</p><p>(3) brephos an unborn or newborn child (King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) of Lu 1:41,44; 2:12,16; 1Pe 2:2 and the Revised Version (British and American) of Lu 18:15 [AV "infants"]; Ac 7:19 [King James Version, "young children"] and 2Ti 3:15 [King James Version, "child"]).</p><p>(4) nepios = (Latin infans) "a child that cannot speak." (King James and the Revised Version (British and American) of Mt 11:25; 21:16; Lu 10:21; Ro 2:20; 1Co 3:1; Heb 5:13) the same word is translated "child," plural "children" (in the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) of 1Co 13:11; Ga 4:1,3; Eph 4:14) the verb nepiazete is translated in the King James Version "be ye children" and in the Revised Version (British and American) "be ye babes" (1Co 14:20). Nepios is used metaphorically of those who are like children, of simple and single minds, as opposed to the "wise and understanding" (Mt 11:25 = Lu 10:21; compare <em>1Co 14:20</em>). "Babes in Christ" are men of little spiritual growth, carnal as opposed to spiritual (1Co 3:1; compare <em>Heb 5:13; Eph 4:14</em>). Nepios is also used of a child as a minor or infant in the eye of the law (Ga 4:1,3).</p><p>T. Rees</p>