Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the term "babes" is used both literally and metaphorically, referring to infants and young children as well as to those who are spiritually immature or new in faith. The concept of babes is significant in understanding the nature of innocence, dependence, and growth in the Christian life.
Literal UsageIn its literal sense, "babes" refers to infants and young children. The Bible often highlights the innocence and purity associated with young children. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike humility and faith: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (
Matthew 18:3). This passage underscores the value of humility and trust, qualities inherent in babes, as essential for entering God's kingdom.
The birth of Jesus Christ is another significant event involving a babe. In
Luke 2:12, the angel announces to the shepherds, "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" . The incarnation of Christ as a babe signifies God's profound humility and His approachability, inviting all to come to Him with the simplicity and trust of a child.
Metaphorical UsageMetaphorically, "babes" is used to describe those who are new to the faith or spiritually immature. The Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, saying, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ" (
1 Corinthians 3:1). Here, Paul uses the term to highlight the need for growth and maturity in the Christian life. Spiritual babes require nourishment from the "milk" of basic teachings before progressing to the "solid food" of deeper spiritual truths (
1 Corinthians 3:2).
The writer of Hebrews also uses this metaphor to encourage believers to move beyond elementary teachings: "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!" (
Hebrews 5:12). This passage emphasizes the expectation of growth and maturity in the faith journey.
Spiritual InsightsThe concept of babes in Scripture provides profound spiritual insights. It reminds believers of the importance of maintaining a childlike faith characterized by trust, humility, and dependence on God. At the same time, it challenges Christians to grow in their understanding and application of God's Word, moving from spiritual infancy to maturity.
Jesus' prayer in
Matthew 11:25 highlights the divine revelation given to babes: "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children" . This verse illustrates that God's truths are often revealed to those with a humble and receptive heart, akin to that of a child.
In summary, the biblical concept of babes encompasses both the literal and metaphorical, offering insights into the nature of faith, growth, and the kingdom of God. Through the imagery of babes, Scripture calls believers to embrace humility, seek spiritual nourishment, and pursue maturity in their walk with Christ.
Strong's Hebrew
5768. olel -- a child... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a child NASB Word Usage
babes (1), child (2), children (6), infants (2), little ones (9).
...3243. yanaq -- to suck
... Definition to suck NASB Word Usage draw (1), infant (3), infants (2), milking (1),
nurse (11), nursed (3), nurses (1), nursing (1), nursingbabes (1), nursing...
Library
Christ Thanks the Father for Revealing toBabes what He had...
... Chapter XXV."Christ Thanks the Father for Revealing toBabes What He Had Concealed
from the Wise This Concealment Judiciously Effected by the Creator....
The Kingdom of God Revealed toBabes. --The Blessedness of the...
... SAMARIA. Section 206. The Kingdom of God revealed toBabes. "The Blessedness
of the Disciples in beholding it. (Luke, x., 21, 24.)....
Christ's Strange Thanksgiving
... thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them untobabes.' "Matthew 11...
The Yoke of Jesus.
... and said,"'I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid
these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them untobabes....
Matthew xi. 25 Discussed.
... your own teacher, who said, I thank Thee, Lord of heaven and earth, that what was
concealed from the wise, Thou hast revealed to sucklingbabes.'" [1386] And...
Matt. xi. 25, 26
... unto Thee, [1606] O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth; because Thou hast hid these
things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them untobabes....
V. ...
... lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and hatred, and all evil
speakings, and desire the sincere milk of the word, as new-bornbabes, that ye...
Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O...
... "Because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed
them untobabes." [2288] Who are the "wise and prudent"? Who the "babes"?...
Christ and Little Children
... softer judgment. Little children (St. Luke says "babes") were brought to
Him to bless, to touch them. It was a remarkable sight. He...
Who the Instructor Is, and Respecting his Instruction.
... we have shown that all of us are by Scripture called children; and not only so,
but that we who have followed Christ are figuratively calledbabes; and that...
Thesaurus
Babes (18 Occurrences)...Babes (18 Occurrences).
... Did you never read,'Out of the mouth of
babes and nursing
babies you have perfected praise?'" (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV).
...Babe (15 Occurrences)
... It is used also of those who are weak in Christian faith and knowledge (1 Corinthians
3:1; Hebrews 5:13; 1 Peter 2:2). In Isaiah 3:4 the word "babes" refers to...
Nursing (14 Occurrences)
... to them, "Yes. Did you never read,'Out of the mouth ofbabes and nursing
babies you have perfected praise?'" (WEB NAS). Matthew 24...
Exclaimed (45 Occurrences)
... heartily praise Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and of earth, that Thou hast hidden
these things from sages and men of discernment, and hast unveiled them tobabes...
Prudent (40 Occurrences)
... and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid
these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them untobabes....
Confess (65 Occurrences)
... to Thee, Father, Lord of the heavens and of the earth, that thou didst hide these
things from wise and understanding ones, and didst reveal them tobabes....
Sucklings (18 Occurrences)
... And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth ofbabes and
sucklings thou hast perfected praise? (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....
Sages (4 Occurrences)
... heartily praise Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and of earth, that Thou hast hidden
these things from sages and men of discernment, and hast unveiled them tobabes...
Mere (56 Occurrences)
... It had to be as to worldlings--merebabes in Christ. (WEY NIV). 1 Corinthians
3:3 you are still unspiritual.... Hebrews 5:14 Such persons are merebabes....
Hide (135 Occurrences)
... I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things
from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them untobabes: (ASV YLT...
Resources
How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are all Christians hypocrites? Are all Christians hypocrites? | GotQuestions.orgDid Adam and Eve know what death was when God commanded them not to eat from the tree of knowledge? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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