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Bible Dictionaries
Child
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
Isaiah 9:6 (a) The word "child" refers to size and age, rather than to relationship. The word "son" refers to character and likeness. In the New Testament the Greek word for "child" is "teknon" which indicates a physical relationship between a parent and the offspring. JESUS was never called a child of Joseph, nor the child of man, nor the child of GOD. The Greek word "huios" meaning "son" or "likeness to another" is always used about CHRIST. He is the Son of Man and the Son of GOD. He is not the child of man nor the child of GOD. A Christian is called a "child of God" (teknon), because of his faith and trust in CHRIST JESUS as in Galatians 3:26. He is called a "son of God" (huios), only as he is like GOD more or less in his actions.
- he is a son of GOD (huios), if he is a peacemaker ( Matthew 5:9).
- he is a son of GOD if he forgives his enemies ( Matthew 5:45).
- he is a son of GOD if he lives a separated life ( 2 Corinthians 6:18).
When JESUS was referred to as a child in Luke 1:59, Luke 2:27 and other passages, the word used is "paidion" which means "a little lad." Even here the word is not the word for relationship but refers to size.
Jeremiah 1:6 (a) It is here used by the prophet to describe his feeling of helplessness in the face of a great work of GOD.
Jeremiah 31:20 (a) GOD very tenderly refers to the people of Israel as being members of His own family, young, helpless, and in need of paternal care.
Matthew 23:15 (a) Those who are led astray by false teachers are described as being related to hell and belonging there.
Acts 13:10 (a) This man was so wicked and so hostile in his attitude toward GOD that Paul told him he belonged to the devil's family and had a devil's nature.
Revelation 12:5 (b) This man child is the Lord JESUS brought forth from the nation of Israel to rule all nations.
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Watson, Walter. Entry for 'Child'. Wilson's Dictoinary of Bible Types. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​wdt/​c/child.html. 1957.