Topical Encyclopedia Boyhood in the biblical context refers to the early years of a male's life, a period marked by growth, learning, and preparation for adulthood. The Bible provides various insights into the nature and significance of boyhood, often highlighting the importance of upbringing, instruction, and the development of character.Biblical Examples of Boyhood: 1. Samuel: One of the most notable examples of boyhood in the Bible is the prophet Samuel. Dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, Samuel was raised in the temple under the guidance of Eli the priest. His boyhood is characterized by service and obedience to God. "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were scarce" (1 Samuel 3:1). Samuel's early years set the foundation for his future role as a prophet and judge over Israel. 2. David: Before becoming king, David's boyhood was spent as a shepherd. This period was crucial for his development, teaching him courage, faith, and reliance on God. His encounter with Goliath is a testament to the strength and faith cultivated during his youth. "David said to Saul, 'Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!'" (1 Samuel 17:32). 3. Jesus: The boyhood of Jesus is briefly mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in the account of His visit to the temple at the age of twelve. This event highlights His wisdom and understanding, even as a child. "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). His early years were marked by obedience to His earthly parents and spiritual growth. Instruction and Discipline: The Bible emphasizes the importance of instruction and discipline during boyhood. Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently addresses the upbringing of children. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). This verse underscores the long-lasting impact of a godly upbringing. Fathers are particularly encouraged to play an active role in the spiritual and moral education of their sons. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). This guidance reflects the biblical view that boyhood is a critical time for instilling values and principles that align with God's will. Character Development: Boyhood is also a time for developing character traits that are pleasing to God. The Bible encourages qualities such as humility, obedience, and respect. The account of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, illustrates the importance of maintaining integrity and faithfulness from a young age. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained steadfast in his trust in God, which eventually led to his rise to power in Egypt. Cultural Context: In biblical times, boyhood was a period of preparation for adult responsibilities. Boys were often trained in the trades or skills of their fathers, learning to contribute to their families and communities. This cultural context is evident in the life of Jesus, who was known as the carpenter's son (Matthew 13:55). Overall, the biblical portrayal of boyhood is one of growth, learning, and preparation, with a strong emphasis on spiritual and moral development. The examples and teachings found in Scripture provide a framework for understanding the significance of this formative period in a young man's life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The state of being a boy; the time during which one is a boy.Greek 3812. paidiothen -- from childhood ... Adverb Transliteration: paidiothen Phonetic Spelling: (pahee-dee-oth'-en) Short Definition: from childhood Definition: from childhood, from early boyhood. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3812.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 3208. yalduth -- childhood, youth... childhood, youth. Abstractly from yeled; boyhood (or girlhood) -- childhood, youth. see HEBREW yeled. 3207, 3208. yalduth. 3209 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/3208.htm - 6k 5290. noar -- youth, early life Library The Boyhood of Jesus. The Boyhood of Jesus Christ's Boyhood In Boyhood Itself, However So Much Less Dreaded for Me than Youth. ... The Boyhood visit to Jerusalem. The Boyhood and Training of Moses Far Best to Cultivate virtue from Boyhood. Passing Hence from Infancy, I came to Boyhood, or Rather it came ... The Church and the Boy Whether Christ was Baptized at a Fitting Time? Thesaurus Boyhood (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The state of being a boy; the time during which one is a boy. Multi-Version Concordance Boyhood (1 Occurrence). ... /b/boyhood.htm - 6k Boys (15 Occurrences) Reuben (73 Occurrences) Eshtaol (7 Occurrences) Peter (181 Occurrences) Stripling (1 Occurrence) Zebulun (46 Occurrences) Boy (94 Occurrences) Samson (37 Occurrences) Elisha (70 Occurrences) Resources Who was Ulrich Zwingli? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Saul of Tarsus before he became the apostle Paul? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Boyhood: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Boyhood (1 Occurrence)Genesis 46:34 Subtopics Related Terms |
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