### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **neanískos**, represented by `{{G3495}}`, is used to define a **youth** or **young man**, typically one under the age of forty. It appears 10 times across 9 unique verses, highlighting its role in describing a specific stage of life and spiritual maturity in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the scriptures, `{{G3495}}` is used to describe various individuals. It refers to the rich **young man** who questions Jesus and leaves sorrowfully [[Matthew 19:22]]. It is the term used for the **young man** Jesus raises from the dead [[Luke 7:14]], as well as the angelic figure seen in the tomb after the resurrection [[Mark 16:5]]. The word also describes the group of **young men** who buried Ananias and Sapphira [[Acts 5:10]]. In a prophetic sense, Peter declares that **young men** will see visions as a result of the Spirit's outpouring [[Acts 2:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and life stages surrounding `{{G3495}}`:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (a "father"): This term for an elder and source of a family is used by John in direct contrast to "young men" and "little children" when addressing the church [[1 John 2:13]].
* `{{G4245}}` **presbýteros** (older; as noun, a senior): This word for "old men" is used alongside "young men" to show that the outpouring of the Spirit would affect all age groups, with old men dreaming dreams and young men seeing visions [[Acts 2:17]].
* `{{G3813}}` **paidíon** (a childling... an immature Christian): Representing an earlier stage of life and faith, "little children" are addressed alongside "young men" and "fathers" as distinct groups within the family of God [[1 John 2:13]].
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (a "son"): This term for kinship appears with "daughters" to describe the recipients of prophecy, just before "young men" are mentioned as those who will see visions [[Acts 2:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3495}}` is centered on strength and divine purpose.
* **Spiritual Strength:** John specifically writes to **young men** because they are **strong** `{{G2478}}`, the word of God abides in them, and they have overcome the **wicked one** `{{G4190}}`, highlighting a robust and active faith [[1 John 2:14]].
* **Prophetic Role:** In the new covenant, **young men** are designated as recipients of visions, a direct form of divine communication, underscoring their importance in God's revelatory plan [[Acts 2:17]].
* **Association with Divine Power:** The word is used to describe the subject of one of Christ's resurrections [[Luke 7:14]] and the angelic messenger at the empty tomb [[Mark 16:5]], linking the term to moments of supreme divine intervention.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3495}}` moves beyond a simple age demographic. It signifies a stage of life characterized by strength, vitality, and a unique capacity for spiritual service and revelation. Whether referring to a literal youth encountering Jesus, a group acting in the early church, or believers who are spiritually strong, **neanískos** consistently points to potential and purpose within the biblical narrative.
TRV