τεκνίον (G5040) — Greek Lexicon

τεκνίον

tekníon

G5040 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Diminutive form of 'child'—a little child, young child, or in plural as a term of affectionate address ('dear children', 'my little ones'). Used both literally of small children and figuratively as an endearing way to address disciples, followers, or members of a close-knit community.

Semantic Range

little child, young child, beloved child, dear child (as term of endearment or address), figuratively: members of a close community or disciples (addressed as beloved children)

Root / Etymology

Formed from τέκνον (child, descendant) with the diminutive suffix -ιον; thus, τεκνίον conveys 'little child' or 'dear child.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

τεκνίον is uncommon in classical Greek and appears most notably in the Johannine writings of the New Testament, especially in 1 John and the Gospel of John. Here it is used exclusively as an affectionate address by an authoritative figure (e.g., John or Jesus) to followers or community members, emphasizing close relationship, mentorship, and care. In the Septuagint, the term is rare or unattested, with τέκνον being much more standard. The diminutive nuance (smallness or dearness) is sometimes difficult to render precisely in English; traditional translations as 'little children' can obscure the affective, pastoral tone of the term, which may be better rendered as 'dear children' or 'beloved children.' The word does not necessarily indicate the physical age or size of the addressees, but their dependent or cherished status within the group. It should not be confused with παιδίον, another diminutive referring to a young child, which can have more neutral or strictly age-related connotations. Use of τεκνίον in later Christian literature continues the pattern of affectionate address to community members or disciples.

Translation Consistency

primary "child" 0 occurrences

τεκνίον is fundamentally a noun meaning a young or beloved child. Using the simple, natural English noun “child” allows consistent rendering across literal and figurative uses (e.g. “little child,” “dear child,” “children” as disciples) while letting context or modifiers convey the diminutive/affectionate nuance.

Alternatives (8 occurrences):

"dear little children" (8x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

diminutive of τέκνον; an infant, i.e. (plural figuratively) darlings (Christian converts):--little children.

Root Family

τεκνίον (teknion) — to beget, to bear offspring, child

Root τεκν- to beget, to bear (offspring), child

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5040-01`	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	little children	dear little children	dear little children	8

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5040-01`	John 13:33	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	Little children	dear little children	dear little children
`G5040-01`	1 John 2:1	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	little children	dear little children	dear little children
`G5040-01`	1 John 2:12	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	little children	dear little children	dear little children
`G5040-01`	1 John 2:28	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	little children	dear little children	dear little children
`G5040-01`	1 John 3:7	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	Little children	dear little children	dear little children
`G5040-01`	1 John 3:18	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	little children	dear little children	dear little children
`G5040-01`	1 John 4:4	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	little children	dear little children	dear little children
`G5040-01`	1 John 5:21	τεκνία	teknia	`N VOC N PL`	Little children	dear little children	dear little children

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