Child in Scripture may mean an infant, a young person, a descendant, or figuratively one who is immature or humble. Children were valued as blessings, taught by their families, and included in the life of the covenant community.
Definition
In Scripture, child has a broad range of meanings. It may refer to an infant, a young person, a descendant of any age, or figuratively someone immature, ignorant, simple, or humble. Joseph and Benjamin are called children although they were older, and Solomon used the expression of himself when he became king.
Biblical Usage
Children are presented as blessings and as members of the family and covenant community. The term also describes spiritual immaturity, simplicity, humility, and such identities as “children of light” and “children of obedience.”
Historical Background
Children were commonly nursed for thirty months to three years, and weaning was celebrated. At about five, they began learning the duties of life under their fathers’ care. Large families were regarded as a mark of divine favor.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
This word has considerable latitude of meaning in Scripture. Thus Joseph is called a child at the time when he was probably about sixteen years of age (Gen. 37:3); and Benjamin is so called when he was above thirty years (44:20). Solomon called himself a little child when he came to the kingdom (1 Kings 3:7). The descendants of a man, however remote, are called his children; as, “the children of Edom,” “the children of Moab,” “the children of Israel.” In the earliest times mothers did not wean their children till they were from thirty months to three years old; and the day on which they were weaned was kept as a festival day (Gen. 21:8; Ex. 2:7, 9; 1 Sam. 1:22-24; Matt. 21:16). At the age of five, children began to learn the arts and duties of life under the care of their fathers (Deut. 6:20-25; 11:19). To have a numerous family was regarded as a mark of divine favour (Gen. 11:30; 30:1; 1 Sam. 2:5; 2 Sam. 6:23; Ps. 127:3; 128:3). Figuratively the name is used for those who are ignorant or narrow-minded (Matt. 11:16; Luke 7:32; 1 Cor. 13:11). “When I was a child, I spake as a child.” “Brethren, be not children in understanding” (1 Cor. 14:20). “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro” (Eph. 4:14). Children are also spoken of as representing simplicity and humility (Matt. 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). Believers are “children of light” (Luke 16:8; 1 Thess. 5:5) and “children of obedience” (1 Pet. 1:14).
