### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **νέος (néos)**, represented by `{{G3501}}`, is a primary word used to describe what is **"new"**. It appears **24 times** across **20 unique verses**. The term most often refers to youthfulness in people or freshness in things, and is also used figuratively to describe a regenerate state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3501}}` is frequently used to denote age, particularly in instructing the **younger** generation in their relationship to the **elder** ([[1 Peter 5:5]], [[1 Timothy 5:1]]). This includes specific admonitions for **young men** [[Titus 2:6]], **younger women** [[1 Timothy 5:14]], and **younger widows** [[1 Timothy 5:11]]. The word is also central to the parable of the **new** wine, which must not be put into old bottles lest they burst ([[Mark 2:22]], [[Luke 5:37]]). Figuratively, it describes the **"new man"** which is renewed in knowledge [[Colossians 3:10]] and the **"new covenant"** mediated by Jesus [[Hebrews 12:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of newness and age:
* `{{G2537}}` **kainós** (new): This word denotes newness, especially in freshness, while néos relates to age. It is used in parallel, such as when **new** `{{G3501}}` wine must be put into **new** `{{G2537}}` bottles [[Matthew 9:17]].
* `{{G3820}}` **palaiós** (old): As a direct contrast, this word for "antique" or "worn out" is used in opposition to `{{G3501}}`, as seen with **old** leaven [[1 Corinthians 5:7]] and **old** bottles [[Mark 2:22]].
* `{{G4245}}` **presbýteros** (elder): This term for an older person or senior is the direct counterpart to **younger** `{{G3501}}` when discussing relationships between people and church structure [[1 Peter 5:5]].
* `{{G1095}}` **gēráskō** (to be old): This verb describes the process of waxing old and is contrasted with the state of being **young** `{{G3501}}` [[John 21:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3501}}` is significant, highlighting key spiritual truths.
* **Spiritual Regeneration:** `{{G3501}}` is used to illustrate the transformed believer, who has put on the **"new man"** [[Colossians 3:10]] and is part of a **"new lump"**, purged of **old** leaven [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
* **The New Covenant:** The term holds great importance in its description of the **"new covenant"** established through the blood of Jesus, the mediator [[Hebrews 12:24]].
* **Kingdom Principles:** The parable of **new** wine in old bottles teaches that the fresh work of God cannot be contained by old, rigid structures ([[Matthew 9:17]], [[Luke 5:37]]). This highlights a fundamental principle of incompatibility between the old life and the new.
* **Redefined Status:** While social order is addressed by instructing the **younger** to submit to the elder [[1 Peter 5:5]], Jesus inverts this by teaching that the greatest will be as the **younger**, associating this status with service [[Luke 22:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3501}}` extends beyond a simple reference to age. It is a key biblical term that defines freshness, youth, and spiritual renewal. From the practical illustration of **new** wine to the profound concept of the **new man** and the **new covenant**, **néos** serves as a vital word to distinguish between the former and the regenerate, the old and the renewed life in Christ.
TRV