Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the term "baby" refers to a very young child, often highlighting themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the beginning of life. Babies are mentioned in various contexts throughout Scripture, symbolizing both physical and spiritual truths.
Creation and BirthThe Bible begins with the creation of life, and the birth of a baby is seen as a continuation of God's creative work. In
Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply," emphasizing the importance of procreation and the blessing of children.
Psalm 127:3 states, "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him," underscoring the value placed on new life.
Innocence and DependenceBabies are often depicted as symbols of innocence and purity. In
Matthew 18:3, Jesus uses a child to illustrate the qualities necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This passage highlights the humility and trust inherent in a child's nature, qualities that believers are encouraged to emulate.
Protection and CareThe Bible frequently emphasizes the need to protect and care for babies. In
Exodus 2, the account of Moses' infancy illustrates God's providential care. Moses' mother hides him to protect him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. God orchestrates events so that Moses is found and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, ensuring his survival and future role as a leader of Israel.
Spiritual SymbolismBabies also serve as powerful symbols of spiritual rebirth. In
John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This concept of being "born again" signifies a spiritual transformation and new beginning, akin to the physical birth of a baby.
Notable Biblical BabiesSeveral notable babies in the Bible play significant roles in God's redemptive plan. Isaac, the long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises (
Genesis 21:1-3). Samuel, dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, becomes a pivotal prophet and judge in Israel (
1 Samuel 1:20-28). The birth of John the Baptist, as foretold by the angel Gabriel, marks the beginning of the fulfillment of messianic prophecies (
Luke 1:13-17).
The Birth of JesusThe most significant birth in the Bible is that of Jesus Christ, whose nativity is celebrated as the incarnation of God. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide detailed accounts of Jesus' birth, emphasizing His divine nature and mission. In
Luke 2:11, the angel announces to the shepherds, "Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord." Jesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies and heralds the arrival of salvation for humanity.
ConclusionThe Bible's portrayal of babies encompasses themes of life, innocence, protection, and spiritual renewal. From the birth of key figures in salvation history to the ultimate birth of Jesus Christ, babies in Scripture serve as reminders of God's ongoing work in the world and His desire for relationship with His creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) An infant or young child of either sex; a babe.
2. (n.) A small image of an infant; a doll.
3. (a.) Pertaining to, or resembling, an infant; young or little; as, baby swans.
4. (v. i.) To treat like a young child; to keep dependent; to humor; to fondle.
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).
...Strong's Hebrew
1121. ben -- son... NASB Word Usage afflicted (1), afflicted* (1), age (7), aliens* (2), Ammonites*
(7), anointed* (1), arrow (1), arrows (1), Assyrians* (3),
baby (1), Babylonians
...Library
"There,Baby!" Said Diamond; "I'M So Happy that I Can Only Sing...
... Chapter 25 "There,baby!" said Diamond; "I'm so happy that I can only sing nonsense.?...
hey diddle diddle! Thebaby and fiddle! O, mother, I'm such a silly!...
It was Late in the Afternoon when Diamond and his Mother and the...
... Chapter 15 It was late in the afternoon when Diamond and his mother and thebaby
reached?... "It's very nice, thank you, father. Oh, there'sbaby waking!...
Leaves College. Goes to Alexandria, Ky. An Adventure in Ohio. A...
... An Adventure in Ohio. ABaby not Baptized. Peril in Crossing the River.... An Adventure
in Ohio. ABaby not Baptized. Peril in Crossing the River....
A Lullaby
... Book First CLVI A LULLABY. Sweetbaby, sleep! what ails my dear,... My pretty
lamb, forbear to weep; Be still, my dear; sweetbaby, sleep....
The Finding of Moses
... lived. Everybaby boy that was born was to be thrown into the river.... meal.
Jochebed, the poor mother, held herbaby closer in her arms....
A Few Nights after This, Diamond Woke up Suddenly...
... It was anything but pleasant to hear, but he could not help hearing it. At length
there came a cry from the woman, and then a scream from thebaby....
When God Withdraws Himself
... The mother gazed upon him with her eyes beaming. Presently she began to call him,
"Baby, come to Mama!Baby,Baby, come to Mama!" but he played on unheeding....
It was a Great Delight to Diamond when at Length Nanny was Well...
... It was great fun to see Diamond teaching her how to hold thebaby, and wash and
dress him, and often they laughed together over her awkwardness....
The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... bath. She placed herbaby boy in the ark, and let it float down the river
where the princess, Pharaoh's daughter, would see it....
When Diamond Got Home He Found his Father at Home Already...
... The next day he was forced to keep his bed, and his wife nursed him, and
Diamond attended to thebaby. If he had not been ill, it...
Thesaurus
Baby (23 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A small image of an infant; a doll. 3. (a.) Pertaining to, or resembling,
an infant; young or little; as,
baby swans.
...Baby (23 Occurrences).
...Baby's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceBaby's (1 Occurrence). Exodus 2:8 Pharaoh's daughter said
to her, "Go." The maiden went and called the child's mother. (See NIV)....
Breast (71 Occurrences)
... YLT). Mark 13:17 And it will be hard for women who are with child and for
her who has ababy at the breast in those days. (BBE). Luke...
Leap (20 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that thebaby leaped
in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit....
Leaped (10 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that thebaby leaped
in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit....
Womb (84 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that thebaby leaped
in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit....
Feeding (37 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Luke 2:12 This is the sign to you: you will find ababy wrapped in
strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." (WEB). Luke...
Trough (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Luke 2:12 This is the sign to you: you will find ababy wrapped in
strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." (WEB). Luke...
Move (113 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:41 And when the voice of Mary came to the ears of Elisabeth, thebaby made
a sudden move inside her; then Elisabeth was full of the Holy Spirit, (BBE)....
Sudden (33 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:41 And when the voice of Mary came to the ears of Elisabeth, thebaby made
a sudden move inside her; then Elisabeth was full of the Holy Spirit, (BBE)....
Resources
What is baby dedication? Is child / baby dedication biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes? | GotQuestions.orgI want a baby, but my spouse does not. What do we do? | GotQuestions.orgBaby: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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