Understanding Infants: A Key to Childlike Faith

What is an infant in the Bible?

In biblical texts, 'infants' can refer both to literal young children and to individuals in a metaphorical state of spiritual immaturity.

Literally, infants appear in narratives emphasizing vulnerability and dependence, such as Psalm 22:9-10, where the psalmist recalls being "brought up from the womb" and "nursed at my mother’s breasts," highlighting divine care from birth. Metaphorically, 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 describes believers as "infants in Christ" who require "milk" rather than "solid food," illustrating spiritual immaturity and the need for foundational teaching.

These references underscore themes of reliance on God’s provision and the process of spiritual growth, preparing readers to explore how infancy imagery shapes biblical teachings on faith and maturity.

Infants in Biblical Narratives and Metaphors

The biblical portrayal of infants spans literal depictions of vulnerability and symbolic representations of spiritual dependence.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' infancy narratives (Luke 2:1-20) emphasize his humanity and the divine plan revealed through humble circumstances, such as his placement in a manger and the adoration of shepherds. Exodus 4:22-23 metaphorically identifies Israel as God’s 'firstborn son,' framing divine deliverance as parental protection and demanding covenantal obedience. Meanwhile, 1 Corinthians 13:11 employs infancy imagery to critique the Corinthian church’s spiritual immaturity, urging believers to 'put away childish ways' as they mature in Christ. These passages intertwine physical and spiritual themes, highlighting both God’s care for the vulnerable and the necessity of growth.

By juxtaposing literal and symbolic uses of infancy, Scripture invites reflection on the tension between human dependence and divine empowerment. This duality prepares readers to consider how infantile imagery informs broader theological concepts, such as redemption and discipleship, in subsequent discussions.

How to Read Infants Correctly

To interpret references to infants in Scripture, distinguish between literal depictions of childhood and metaphorical expressions of spiritual immaturity.

Biblically, infants often reflect physical vulnerability, as seen in Psalm 22:9-10, where the psalmist recalls divine care from birth: 'Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even on my mother’s breasts.' This mirrors ancient Israelite understandings of child dependency, where infants symbolized complete reliance on caregivers. Metaphorically, 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 describes believers as 'infants in Christ' needing spiritual 'milk,' illustrating God’s patient nurture of growing faith.

Such imagery underscores themes of divine care and growth, as 1 Corinthians 13:11 urges believers to 'put away childish things' as they mature. This duality invites readers to see infancy as both a model of humble dependence and a call to pursue spiritual maturity, balancing trust in God’s provision with the responsibility to grow in understanding.

Going Deeper

Building on the metaphorical use of infancy, Proverbs 22:6 and Hebrews 5:12-14 offer distinct insights into spiritual growth and maturity.

Proverbs 22:6 ("Train up a child in the way he should go...") emphasizes foundational instruction, while Hebrews 5:12-14 critiques believers who remain spiritually "infant" by avoiding "solid food" of mature faith. Early Christian writers like Augustine often interpreted such imagery as a call to move from spiritual dependence to disciplined maturity, balancing trust in God with active discipleship.