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Infancy, as depicted in the Bible, is a stage of life that holds significant theological and symbolic meaning. It is a period marked by vulnerability, dependence, and the potential for growth and development. The Scriptures provide various accounts and teachings that highlight the importance of infancy, both in literal and metaphorical contexts.

Biblical Accounts of Infancy

1.The Infancy of Jesus Christ: The most prominent biblical account of infancy is the birth and early life of Jesus Christ. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide detailed narratives of Jesus' birth and infancy. InMatthew 1:18-25, the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit and His birth to the Virgin Mary are recounted. The visit of the Magi, the flight to Egypt, and the return to Nazareth are significant events that underscore the divine protection and purpose surrounding Jesus' infancy (Matthew 2:1-23).

2.The Infancy of Moses: Another significant account is the infancy of Moses, as described inExodus 2:1-10. Born during a time of oppression, Moses was hidden by his mother to protect him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. Rescued by Pharaoh's daughter, Moses' early life is marked by divine intervention, setting the stage for his future role as the deliverer of Israel.

3.The Infancy of Samuel: The account of Samuel's infancy is found in1 Samuel 1-2. Born to Hannah, who had been barren, Samuel was dedicated to the Lord from birth. His early life in the temple under the care of Eli the priest highlights the theme of dedication and service to God from a young age.

Theological Significance of Infancy

1.Symbol of New Beginnings: Infancy in the Bible often symbolizes new beginnings and the fulfillment of God's promises. The birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:1-7) is a testament to God's faithfulness and the beginning of the fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham.

2.Dependence and Trust: Infancy represents a state of complete dependence and trust, qualities that are essential in the believer's relationship with God. Jesus emphasized the importance of childlike faith, stating, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

3.Divine Protection and Providence: The infancy narratives often highlight God's protective care and providence. The preservation of Moses and Jesus during their infancy illustrates God's sovereign plan and His ability to safeguard His purposes despite human opposition.

4.Spiritual Growth and Maturity: Infancy also serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and maturity. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:2). This imagery underscores the need for spiritual nourishment and development from infancy to maturity in the faith.

Infancy in Prophecy and Fulfillment

The prophetic significance of infancy is evident in the messianic prophecies concerning Jesus.Isaiah 7:14 foretells the virgin birth, stating, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" . This prophecy finds fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, as recorded inMatthew 1:22-23, affirming His identity as God with us.

Conclusion

Infancy in the Bible is a profound theme that encompasses both literal and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, the importance of dependence on Him, and the potential for growth and transformation in the life of every believer. Through the accounts of Jesus, Moses, and Samuel, the Scriptures reveal the divine purpose and protection that accompany this foundational stage of life.1. (n.) The state or period of being an infant; the first part of life; early childhood.

2. (n.) The first age of anything; the beginning or early period of existence; as, the infancy of an art.

3. (n.) The state or condition of one under age, or under the age of twenty-one years; nonage; minority.

ARABIC GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY

SeeAPOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.

INFANCY, GOSPEL OF THE

in'-fan-si.

SeeAPOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.

3812. paidiothen -- from childhood
... frominfancy. Adverb (of source) from paidion; frominfancy -- of a child. see GREEK
paidion. (paidiothen) -- 1 Occurrence. 3811, 3812. paidiothen. 3813 ....
990. beten -- belly, body, womb
... belly, body, womb NASB Word Usage abdomen (3), being (1), belly (8), birth (4),
body (11), brothers* (1), depth (1), himself (1),infancy* (1), inward parts (1...

5291. naarah -- a girl, maiden
... damsel, maiden, young woman. Feminine of na'ar; a girl (frominfancy to adolescence) --
damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). see HEBREW na'ar. 5290, 5291....

517. em -- a mother
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a mother NASB Word Usageinfancy* (1),
mother (145), mother's (67), mothers (5), mothers' (1), parting (1)....

5288. naar -- a boy, lad, youth, retainer
... From na'ar; (concretely) a boy (as active), from the age ofinfancy to
adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch....

Infancy.
... CHAPTER IX.INFANCY. "A babe... bosom. Sleep on, thou little one, in thy "rosy
mesh ofinfancy," in the first buddings of thy being! These...

Will You See theInfancy of this Sublime and Celestial Greatness?...
... THE THIRD CENTURY 1 WILL you see theinfancy of this sublime and celestial greatness?...
WILL you see theinfancy of this sublime and celestial greatness?...

Passing Hence fromInfancy, I came to Boyhood, or Rather it came...
... Book I Chapter VIII Passing hence frominfancy, I came to boyhood, or
rather it came to me? Passing hence frominfancy, I came...

Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
... CHAPTER II.INFANCY AND YOUTH OF JESUS"HIS FIRST IMPRESSIONS. Jesus was
born at Nazareth,[1] a small town of Galilee, which before...

He Describes hisInfancy, and Lauds the Protection and Eternal...
... Book I. Chapter VI."He Describes HisInfancy, and Lauds the Protection and Eternal
Providence of God.... 9. And, behold, myinfancy died long ago, and I live....

The Arabic Gospel of theInfancy of the Saviour
The Arabic Gospel of theInfancy of the Saviour. <. The Arabic Gospel
of theInfancy of the Saviour Unknown. Alexander Walker, Esq....

The Arabic Gospel of theInfancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha)
The Arabic Gospel of theInfancy of the Saviour. <.... The Arabic Gospel
of theInfancy of the Saviour (NT Apocrypha). Introduction...

Upon those Pure and virgin Apprehensions which I had in MyInfancy
... THE THIRD CENTURY 4 Upon those pure and virgin apprehensions which I had in myinfancy....
3. O Lord, I wonder at Thy Love,. Which did myinfancy so early move:...

The Arabic Gospel of theInfancy of the Saviour
The Arabic Gospel of theInfancy of the Saviour. <....

Thy Chastening Is, as a Mother of OurInfancy: --Her Rebuke is...
... Thy chastening is, as a mother of ourinfancy:"her rebuke is merciful, in that Thou
hast restrained,"the children from folly, and they have been made wise!...

Infancy (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The first age of anything; the beginning or early period of existence; as,
theinfancy of an art.... ARABIC GOSPEL OF THEINFANCY. See APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS....

Innocents (2 Occurrences)
... Cyprian (died 258 AD) says: "That it might be manifest that they who are slain for
Christ's sake are innocent, innocentinfancy was put to death for his name's...

Massacre (1 Occurrence)
... Cyprian (died 258 AD) says: "That it might be manifest that they who are slain for
Christ's sake are innocent, innocentinfancy was put to death for his name's...

Infant (14 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Same as Infante. 4. (a.) of or pertaining toinfancy, or the first
period of life; tender; not mature; as, infant strength....

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... of our subject very briefly, because if we are to allow any weight at all to textual
evidence there is no question as to theinfancy narratives, either in...

Birth (357 Occurrences)
... of our subject very briefly, because if we are to allow any weight at all to textual
evidence there is no question as to theinfancy narratives, either in...

Mary (50 Occurrences)
... 3. References in Apocryphal Literature: The Gospel of theInfancy according to James,
a work composed originally in the 2nd century, but with later additions...

Infamy (8 Occurrences)

Galilee (73 Occurrences)
... to Josephus (BJ, III, iii, 2), were "always able to make a strong resistance on
all occasions of war; for the Galileans are inured to war from theirinfancy....

Youth (169 Occurrences)
... succeeds to childhood; the period of existence preceding maturity or age; the whole
early part of life, from childhood, or, sometimes, frominfancy, to manhood...

What is the Infancy Gospel of Thomas? | GotQuestions.org

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Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Infancy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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