### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term νεανίας (G3494), transliterated as *neanías*, derives from a derivative of νέος (G3501), meaning "new" or "young." As such, its core meaning refers to a "young man" or "youth." The base definition provided by Strong's Lexicon indicates a broad age range, specifying "up to about forty years." This is crucial, as it suggests that νεανίας does not exclusively denote an adolescent but can encompass individuals in the prime of their adult life, characterized by vigor, strength, and potential. It distinguishes itself from terms referring to children (παιδάριον `{{G3808}}`) or the elderly (πρεσβύτερος `{{G4245}}`), placing it squarely in the active, capable phase of life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term νεανίας appears exclusively in the book of Acts in the New Testament, highlighting its specific usage within the narrative of the early church.
* **Prophetic Vision:** In [[Acts 2:17]], Peter quotes the prophet Joel, declaring, "And your young men shall see visions." Here, νεανίας signifies a demographic that will be recipients of divine revelation during the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant era. This context emphasizes a generation open to God's direct communication and new spiritual experiences.
* **Practical Service:** In [[Acts 5:6]], after Ananias's death, "the young men arose, wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him." Similarly, in [[Acts 5:10]], the same νεανίας are mentioned carrying out Sapphira. These occurrences depict young men as active, capable members of the community, entrusted with significant, albeit somber, practical duties.
* **Saul's Introduction:** Perhaps the most pivotal use of νεανίας is in [[Acts 7:58]], where it introduces Saul (who would later become the Apostle Paul) at the stoning of Stephen: "laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul." This reference marks Saul's zealous participation in the persecution of the early church, highlighting his intense conviction and energy, characteristic of a νεανίας. This portrayal sets the stage for his dramatic conversion and subsequent ministry.
* **Eutychus's Fall:** In [[Acts 20:9]], Eutychus, who falls from a third-story window during Paul's lengthy sermon, is identified as a νεανίας. This detail underscores his age and perhaps the deep sleep that overcame him, making his miraculous resuscitation all the more striking.
* **Paul's Nephew:** Paul's nephew, who warns him of a plot against his life, is repeatedly called a νεανίας in [[Acts 23:17]], [[Acts 23:18]], and [[Acts 23:22]]. This emphasizes his youth and agility in delivering a critical message, showcasing the active role younger individuals played in protecting the apostles.
Across these contexts, νεανίας consistently refers to individuals who are physically capable, active participants in events, and often characterized by zeal or receptivity to significant experiences, whether divine, communal, or personal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of νεανίας includes several related terms:
* νέος (G3501): The root adjective, meaning "new" or "young." It is broader in application, referring to new things (e.g., new wine, new covenant) as well as young people generally.
* νεότης (G3503): The noun for "youth" as a period of life (e.g., [[1 Timothy 4:12]]).
* παιδάριον (G3808) and παῖς (G3816): These terms typically refer to "children" or "boys," suggesting a younger age group than νεανίας. παῖς can also mean "servant," emphasizing status.
* ἀνήρ (G435): A general term for an "adult male" or "man," without specific age connotation, though often implying maturity. νεανίας specifies a particular age within the broader category of ἀνήρ.
* πρεσβύτερος (G4245): Meaning "older" or "elder," this term stands in direct contrast to νεανίας, signifying maturity and often leadership based on age and experience.
The concept of νεανίας is closely linked to ideas of vigor, potential, and an age of active engagement, often marked by zeal, whether for good or ill.
### Theological Significance
While νεανίας is primarily a descriptive term for an age group, its theological significance emerges from its specific applications within the biblical narrative, particularly in Acts.
* **Divine Revelation and Empowerment:** The prophecy in [[Acts 2:17]] links "young men" with seeing visions, signifying that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is for all ages, including the youth. This demonstrates God's inclusive plan for revelation and empowerment, breaking traditional age barriers in the new covenant era. It suggests a fresh, dynamic movement of God's Spirit engaging a younger generation.
* **Zeal and Transformation:** The identification of Saul as a νεανίας at Stephen's stoning ([[Acts 7:58]]) is profoundly significant. It captures him at a moment of intense, albeit misdirected, zeal against the nascent Christian movement. This portrayal underscores the powerful transformation God can effect, taking a zealous persecutor and converting him into one of the greatest apostles. It highlights that God's redemptive plan can encompass and redirect even the most fervent energies of youth.
* **Active Participation in the Community:** The instances where νεανίας are involved in practical tasks (burying the dead, delivering messages) illustrate their active and vital role in the early Christian community. They were not merely passive recipients but capable contributors, entrusted with responsibilities that supported the nascent church's functioning. This suggests a model of multi-generational participation and shared responsibility in the body of Christ.
Thus, νεανίας points to a demographic that is active, capable, and often at the forefront of change or new movements, underscoring the dynamic and inclusive nature of God's work in and through His people.
### Summary
νεανίας (G3494) precisely denotes a "young man" or "youth," encompassing individuals up to approximately forty years of age, signifying a period characterized by vigor, capacity for action, and potential. Its occurrences exclusively in the book of Acts are highly contextual, illustrating the active role of this demographic in the early Christian community. From receiving divine visions as prophesied in [[Acts 2:17]] to performing practical duties in [[Acts 5:6]], νεανίας are depicted as vital participants. Most notably, the term introduces Saul (later Paul) as a zealous persecutor in [[Acts 7:58]], highlighting God's transformative power over fervent youth. The theological import of νεανίας is derived from these contexts, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's Spirit, the potential for radical transformation, and the essential contributions of younger individuals to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
TRV