### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **neōterikós**, represented by `{{G3512}}`, is defined as that which is "appertaining to younger persons, i.e. juvenile:--**youthful**." This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting its specific and focused application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3512}}` is found in an instruction to Timothy. He is commanded to "**flee**" `{{G5343}}` **youthful** `{{G3512}}` **lusts** `{{G1939}}` [[2 Timothy 2:22]]. This term is used to describe desires or longings that are characteristic of younger persons. The verse immediately contrasts this by urging Timothy to instead "**follow**" `{{G1377}}` virtues like **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, **faith** `{{G4102}}`, and **peace** `{{G1515}}`, demonstrating a clear distinction between worldly passions and godly pursuits.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the same verse clarify the meaning and context of `{{G3512}}`:
* `{{G5343}}` **pheúgō** (to flee): This verb commands an urgent action to "run away" from or "shun" youthful lusts [[2 Timothy 2:22]]. It is also used in the command to **flee** fornication [[1 Corinthians 6:18]].
* `{{G1939}}` **epithymía** (lust): This is what is being described as **youthful**. The word signifies "a longing (especially for what is forbidden)" and is linked to the desires of the flesh that one must not fulfill [[Galatians 5:16]].
* `{{G1377}}` **diṓkō** (to pursue): This is the direct contrast to fleeing. Instead of yielding to youthful desires, one is to actively **pursue** or "press forward" toward godly qualities like righteousness and peace ([[2 Timothy 2:22]], [[Hebrews 12:14]]).
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): This is one of the primary virtues to be pursued instead of youthful lusts. It is defined as "equity (of character or act)" and is presented as a cornerstone of godly living ([[2 Timothy 2:22]], [[Matthew 5:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3512}}` is found in its contrast with spiritual maturity and holiness.
* **A Call to Active Separation:** The command is not merely to resist but to **flee** `{{G5343}}` these desires. This urgent language underscores the danger of **youthful** passions and the need for decisive action, similar to the instruction to **flee** from fornication [[1 Corinthians 6:18]] and other worldly temptations [[1 Timothy 6:11]].
* **The Alternative Pursuit:** The instruction is two-fold: flee the negative and **pursue** `{{G1377}}` the positive. The alternative to **youthful** `{{G3512}}` **lusts** `{{G1939}}` is a deliberate pursuit of **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, **faith** `{{G4102}}`, **charity** `{{G26}}`, and **peace** `{{G1515}}`. This demonstrates that sanctification involves both putting off the old self and putting on the new.
* **Purity of Heart as the Foundation:** The ability to flee these lusts and pursue virtue is associated with having a **pure** `{{G2513}}` **heart** `{{G2588}}`. The passage connects this struggle to those who **call on** `{{G1941}}` the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` from this state of inner cleanness, suggesting that true victory comes from a transformed heart, not just external discipline [[2 Timothy 2:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3512}}` **neōterikós** is a specific term used once to label certain desires as "appertaining to younger persons." Its sole biblical context in [[2 Timothy 2:22]] frames it as something to be fled from decisively. It serves as a direct contrast to the godly virtues that believers are commanded to actively **pursue** `{{G1377}}`, such as **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` and **peace** `{{G1515}}`. Ultimately, the word functions within a broader theological instruction about spiritual discipline, encouraging a move away from immature passions toward a mature faith rooted in a **pure** `{{G2513}}` **heart** `{{G2588}}`.
TRV