Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek παῖς corresponds to several Hebrew terms, including:
• נַעַר (na'ar) [Strong's Hebrew 5288]: Often translated as "boy," "youth," or "servant."
• עֶבֶד ('ebed) [Strong's Hebrew 5650]: Commonly translated as "servant" or "slave," reflecting a position of servitude or service.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the dual concepts of youth and servitude, paralleling the Greek usage of παῖς in the New Testament.

Usage: In the New Testament, παῖς is used to describe both children and servants. The context often determines whether the term refers to a biological child or a servant in a household.

Context: The Greek word παῖς appears in various contexts throughout the New Testament, reflecting its dual meaning as both "child" and "servant." This term is used to describe individuals in a familial relationship, as well as those in a position of servitude or service.

In the Gospels, παῖς is often used to refer to children, highlighting their innocence and dependence. For example, in Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus uses a child (παῖς) to illustrate the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven: "He called a little child to stand among them. 'Truly I tell you,' He said, 'unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" (BSB)

The term is also used in the context of servitude, as seen in the account of the centurion's servant in Matthew 8:6: "Lord, my servant (παῖς) lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony." (BSB) Here, παῖς is translated as "servant," indicating a person under the authority of another.

The dual usage of παῖς reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the ancient world, where children and servants often occupied similar positions of dependency and subordination within a household. The term underscores themes of humility, service, and the relational dynamics between individuals of different social standings.