### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yaldûwth**, represented by `{{H3208}}`, refers to the period of **childhood** or **youth**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is derived abstractly and describes the stage of life encompassing boyhood or girlhood.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3208}}` appears in contexts that explore the nature of one's early life. In Ecclesiastes, it is presented with a dual perspective. A young man is encouraged to **rejoice** `{{H8055}}` in his **youth** `{{H3208}}` and follow the ways of his heart, yet he is also warned that God will bring him into **judgment** `{{H4941}}` for these things [[Ecclesiastes 11:9]]. Immediately following, **childhood** `{{H3208}}` is described as **vanity** `{{H1892}}`, a transitory stage from which one should remove sorrow and evil [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]]. In Psalms, it is used poetically to describe a fresh, powerful vitality, stating, "thou hast the **dew** `{{H2919}}` of thy **youth** `{{H3208}}`" in a context of holiness and power [[Psalms 110:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper insight into the concept of youth:
* `{{H7839}}` **shachărûwth** (youth): Derived from a word for dawning, this term refers to juvenescence and is used in parallel with `{{H3208}}` to describe the period of **childhood** and **youth** as vanity [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]].
* `{{H1892}}` **hebel** (vanity): This word signifies emptiness or something transitory and unsatisfactory. It is used to characterize **childhood** `{{H3208}}` and youth, highlighting their fleeting nature [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]].
* `{{H970}}` **bâchûwr** (young man): This term refers to a youth, often one who is selected or chosen. It is the subject addressed in Ecclesiastes, who is called to rejoice in his **youth** `{{H3208}}` while remaining mindful of God's judgment [[Ecclesiastes 11:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of `{{H3208}}` focus on the nature and purpose of early life.
* **The Fleeting Nature of Youth:** Scripture emphasizes that **childhood** `{{H3208}}` is ultimately **vanity** `{{H1892}}`, a transitory and unsatisfactory stage of life. This perspective encourages a focus on what is eternal rather than on the fleeting pleasures of youth [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]].
* **Accountability in Youth:** While youth is a time for joy, it is not free from responsibility. A young person is instructed to **walk** `{{H1980}}` in the ways of their heart but also to **know** `{{H3045}}` that they will be brought into **judgment** `{{H4941}}` by **God** `{{H430}}` for their actions [[Ecclesiastes 11:9]].
* **Symbol of Divine Vitality:** In a poetic and prophetic sense, **youth** `{{H3208}}` is portrayed as a symbol of fresh, divine power. The "dew of thy youth" from the "womb of the morning" suggests a pure and powerful beginning, associated with the **beauties** `{{H1926}}` of **holiness** `{{H6944}}` [[Psalms 110:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3208}}` is a specific term for **childhood** and **youth** that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant weight. It presents a balanced view of this life stage, acknowledging its potential for joy and vitality while simultaneously underscoring its transient nature and the reality of divine judgment. It ultimately frames youth not as an end in itself, but as a preparatory period that must be navigated with an awareness of eternal accountability.
TRV