“Children” From Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
Children an honor, childlessness a misfortune (Gen. 16:2; Deut. 7:14; 1 Sam. 1:6; 2 Sam. 6:23; 2 Kings 4:14; Psa. 127:3; Isa. 47:9, Jer. 20:15). Males circumcised on eighth day (Lev. 12:3). Weaning an occasion of rejoicing (Gen. 21:8).
“Son” From Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
In Hebrew sense, any descendant however remote
(Gen. 29:5; 2 Sam. 19:24). Applied also to pupils, adopted persons, those of kindred faith (Gen. 48:5; 1 Sam. 3:6; Acts 13:6).
“Children” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
David proclaimed, “Lo, children are an heritage of Jehovah: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psa. 127:3). Women in the East had a great desire for children, as may be seen by Sarah, Rachel, and Leah giving their handmaids to their husbands that they might have children by them, and this ever characterized the women of Israel afterward.
The law commanded children to honor their parents, and if a son smote or cursed his parents he was put to death (Ex. 21:15,17). Parents were to teach the law to their children, and to chastise them when needed, and if a son was disobedient and contumacious the men of the city were to stone such a one (Deut. 21:18-21). The first born was claimed by God, and had to be redeemed (Ex. 13:13); and the eldest son inherited a double portion of his father’s possessions (Deut. 21:17).
Metaphorically we meet with “children of Zion,” “children of Belial,” “children of the devil,” often referring to their moral character.
In the New Testament various Greek words are translated children in the AV. Thus in 1 John 2:1, 12-13,18,28 “little children” occurs; and though correct, yet there is a difference in the words. 1 John 2:1,12,28 refer to all Christians as God’s children; but 1 John 2:13,18 refer to young children or babes as a class, in contrast to young men and fathers. Again, in many places where the word is νιός, and should be translated “sons,” the AV has “child” or “children” ( Rom. 9:26-27; 2 Cor. 3:7,13; Gal. 3:7,26; Eph. 2:2; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; 1 Thess. 5:5; Heb. 11:22; Heb. 12:5; Rev. 2:14; Rev. 7:4; Rev. 12:5; Rev. 21:12); besides often in the Gospels and Acts. See SON. Again, in Acts 4:27,30 the word is παῖς, which is as often translated “servant” as “child,” the word signifying both. In these verses it would be much better to translate “thy holy servant Jesus”; David is also called “servant” in Acts 4:25.
“Son” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
Besides the application of this term to natural generation, it is used metaphorically in scripture. The appellation “son” implies “likeness.” The term is employed thus to mark moral likeness, as of a son to a father, so “a son of Belial” (1 Sam. 25:17); “thou son (υἱός) of the devil” (Acts 13:10); “sons of disobedience” (Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6): also “sons of light” and “sons of day” (1 Thess. 5:5). It is also used to signify physical likeness: strong men are “sons of strength” (2 Kings 2:16, margin).
The idea of sonship differs somewhat in the case of Christians from that of being “children.” The thought of “children” is more of a generation which is of God. “Now are we the children of God” (1 John 3:2). “Sons” expresses the height of God’s calling, and properly refers to heaven and glory. It implies intelligently entering into the purpose of God. God is bringing many sons to glory (Heb. 2:10). Christians are represented as being both children and sons of God. The distinction between these two words is not always clearly maintained in the AV. In Rom. 9:26-27; 2 Cor. 3:7, 13; Gal. 3:7, 26; Eph. 2:2; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; 1 Thess. 5:5; Heb. 11:22; Heb. 12:5; Rev. 2:14; Rev. 7:4; Rev. 12:5; Rev. 21:12 (and often in the Gospels and the Acts) “sons” (υἱός) should be read instead of “children.” On the other hand, in John 1:12; 1 Cor. 4:14,17; Phil. 2:15,22; 1 Tim. 1:2,18; 2 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:1; Titus 1:4; Philem. 1:10; 1 John 3:1-2, “children” (τέκνον) should be read instead of “sons.” Both words are employed in the Epistles of Paul, but “τέκνον” only, as regards believers, in the writings of John, except Revelation 21:7. See SΟNS OF GOD.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
(Aramaic) corresponding to 1121
KJV Usage:
child, son, young