### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **neanías**, represented by `{{G3494}}`, is defined as a youth, specifically a young man up to about forty years of age. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is consistently used to denote a male in the stage of life between childhood and full maturity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{G3494}}` are found in the book of Acts, where it identifies specific individuals in key narrative moments. It is first used to describe Saul at the stoning of Stephen, where witnesses laid their clothes at the **young man's** feet [[Acts 7:58]]. Later, it describes Eutychus, a **young man** who falls from a window during Paul's preaching and is taken up dead [[Acts 20:9]]. The term is also used three times to refer to Paul's nephew, who reveals a plot against the apostle's life and is brought before the chief captain as "this **young man**" ([[Acts 23:17]], [[Acts 23:18]], [[Acts 23:22]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other Greek words relate to different stages of youth and servitude, providing a fuller picture of age-related terminology:
* `{{G3816}}` **paîs**: This word has a broad meaning, referring to a boy, child, or girl, but also specially a slave or servant. It is used to describe both a centurion's servant [[Matthew 8:8]] and, by eminence, God's Son Jesus [[Acts 3:13]].
* `{{G3813}}` **paidíon**: This diminutive term refers to a "childling," an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl. It is used when Jesus speaks of needing to become as little **children** to enter the kingdom of heaven [[Matthew 18:3]].
* `{{G3808}}` **paidárion**: Meaning a little boy or lad, this term is more specific than the others. It is used to identify the **lad** who had the five barley loaves and two fishes [[John 6:9]].
* `{{G3814}}` **paidískē**: The feminine diminutive, this word refers to a girl, and is specially used for a female slave or servant, such as the **damsel** who identified Peter in the palace courtyard [[Matthew 26:69]].
### Theological Significance
While not a deeply theological term in itself, `{{G3494}}` is significant for the narrative roles played by the individuals it describes.
* **Pivotal Witness:** The introduction of Saul as a **young man** `{{G3494}}` at the first Christian martyrdom is a crucial moment, marking the beginning of the journey for the man who would become the apostle Paul [[Acts 7:58]].
* **Instrument of Deliverance:** Paul’s unnamed nephew is identified as a **young man** who acts courageously to expose a plot, directly leading to the salvation of the apostle from his enemies [[Acts 23:17]].
* **Subject of Miraculous Power:** The story of Eutychus, the **young man** who fell to his death, serves as a powerful demonstration of God's power working through Paul to restore life, strengthening the faith of the believers [[Acts 20:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3494}}` is a specific descriptor for a "young man" used exclusively within the historical narrative of the book of Acts. Although it appears infrequently, its usage is notable for marking individuals at critical junctures in the story of the early church. It introduces a future apostle, identifies a hero who saves that apostle's life, and names the subject of a powerful miracle, illustrating that young men played significant roles in the unfolding events of apostolic history.
TRV