Topical Encyclopedia The term "young" in the Bible often refers to individuals who are in the early stages of life, encompassing children, adolescents, and young adults. The Scriptures provide numerous references to the young, highlighting their roles, responsibilities, and the expectations placed upon them within the community of faith.Biblical References and Context 1. Youth as a Time of Learning and Growth: The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of teaching and guiding the young. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the responsibility of parents and elders to instill godly principles in the young, ensuring a foundation of faith that endures throughout their lives. 2. Examples of Young Leaders: Several young individuals in the Bible are depicted as leaders and examples of faith. David, chosen by God while still a shepherd boy, exemplifies courage and reliance on God when he confronts Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Similarly, Josiah became king of Judah at the age of eight and later led significant religious reforms (2 Kings 22-23). 3. Youth and Wisdom: While youth is often associated with inexperience, the Bible also acknowledges the potential for wisdom among the young. In 1 Timothy 4:12 , Paul advises Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This exhortation highlights the capacity of young believers to lead and inspire others through their conduct and faith. 4. Warnings and Challenges: The Bible also addresses the challenges and temptations faced by the young. Ecclesiastes 11:9 advises, "Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment." This passage serves as a reminder of the accountability that accompanies youthful freedom and the importance of living a life pleasing to God. 5. The Role of the Community: The community of faith plays a crucial role in nurturing and supporting the young. Titus 2:6-7 encourages older men to "urge the younger men to be self-controlled. In everything, set them an example by doing what is good." This mentorship and example-setting are vital for the spiritual development of young believers. Theological Implications The biblical portrayal of the young emphasizes the value and potential inherent in youth. It calls for intentional discipleship and mentorship, recognizing that the young are not only the future of the faith community but also active participants in its present. The Scriptures encourage the young to pursue wisdom, righteousness, and a deep relationship with God, while also reminding the community of its responsibility to guide and support them in their spiritual journey. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) Not long born; still in the first part of life; not yet arrived at adolescence, maturity, or age; not old; juvenile; -- said of animals; as, a young child; a young man; a young fawn.2. (superl.) Being in the first part, pr period, of growth; as, a young plant; a young tree. 3. (superl.) Having little experience; inexperienced; unpracticed; ignorant; weak. 4. (n.) The offspring of animals, either a single animal or offspring collectively. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia YOUNG; MEN, YOUNG WOMENyung, (bachur, na`ar; neanias, neaniskos): "Young man" is generally in the Old Testament the translation of bachur, from bachar, "to prove," "to choose," and of na`ar (literally, "boy," but used sometimes also of a girl). The former term denotes a young man, no longer a mere youth, but liable to military service (Deuteronomy 32:25 Judges 14:10 1 Samuel 8:16 2 Kings 8:12, etc.). In Numbers 11:28, the King James Version "Joshua.... the servant of Moses, one of his young men" (bechurim), the Revised Version (British and American) renders "one of his chosen men," margin "from his youth." Na`ar is frequently used (singular and plural) of soldiers (1 Samuel 14:1, 6; 1 Samuel 21:4; 1 Samuel 25:5, 8, 9 2 Samuel 1:5, 6, 15, etc.). Abraham's "young men" (ne`arim) were "trained servants," "trained men," warriors (Genesis 14:24; compare 14:14 the Revised Version (British and American)). The word is often in the Old Testament translated "servant": thus in the Revised Version (British and American) for the King James Version "young man," "young men" (Genesis 18:7 2 Kings 4:22 1 Kings 20:14, the Revised Version margin). In the New Testament, the ordinary words for "young man" are neanias (Acts 7:58; Acts 20:9; Acts 23:17, 18, 22) and neaniskos (Matthew 19:20, 22 Mark 14:51, etc.). "Young men" in Acts 5:6 is neoteroi, comparative of neos, "young," recent; the feminine of the latter word is "young women" in Titus 2:4, and neoterai is "younger women" (the Revised Version (British and American) "widows") in 1 Timothy 5:14. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament young men are earnestly exhorted to wisdom and sober-mindedness (Proverbs 1:8, 9 Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13, 14 Titus 2:6, "discreet"; compare The Wisdom of Solomon 9:11), etc. Greek 3495. neaniskos -- a young man, a youth ... a young man, a youth. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: neaniskos Phonetic Spelling: (neh-an-is'-kos) Short Definition: a young man Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3495.htm - 6k 3502. neossos -- young. 3494. neanias -- a young man 3565. numphe -- a bride, a young woman 3448. moschos -- a young shoot, a calf 3501b. neos, neoteros -- young, new 3813. paidion -- a young child 2161. Eutuchos -- "well-fated," Eutychus, a young man restored to ... 3555. nossia -- a brood of young birds 3556b. nossos -- a young bird Strong's Hebrew 3715. kephir -- young lion... 3714, 3715. kephir. 3716 . young lion. Transliteration: kephir Phonetic Spelling: (kef-eer') Short Definition: lions. Word Origin ... /hebrew/3715.htm - 6k 1423. gedi -- a kid (a young goat) 1469. gozal -- young birds 970. bachur -- a young man 667. ephroach -- a young one 6499. par -- young bull, steer 6082. opher -- a young hart, stag 1072. bikrah -- a young camel, dromedary 3127. yoneqeth -- a young shoot, twig 3242. yeniqah -- a young shoot, twig Library Food for the Lambs; or, Helps for Young Christians The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young Serious Hours of a Young Lady Young's Night Thoughts A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females The Young Martyr Young Man! a Prayer for You The Young Knight: a Parable Letter to a Young Widow. Death of the Young. Thesaurus Young (3454 Occurrences)... Not long born; still in the first part of life; not yet arrived at adolescence, maturity, or age; not old; juvenile; -- said of animals; as, a young child; a ... /y/young.htm - 10k Yearling (48 Occurrences) Cow (32 Occurrences) Virgins (33 Occurrences) Youths (28 Occurrences) She-lion (8 Occurrences) Suck (22 Occurrences) Virginity (12 Occurrences) Cubs (11 Occurrences) Afford (12 Occurrences) Resources Who was Brigham Young? | GotQuestions.orgI'm young. How can I live the Christian life? | GotQuestions.org What is young earth creationism? | GotQuestions.org Young: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Young (3454 Occurrences)Young appears 3454 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Young Men: General Scriptures Concerning Young Men: Religious Young Men: The Rich Young Man Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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