or נָעֻר; and (feminine) נְעֻרָה; properly, passive participle from נַעַר as denominative; (only in plural collectively or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people); childhood, youth.
Transliteration:nâʻûwr
Pronunciation:naw-oor'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5271 (נָעוּר, *nâʻûwr*), often appearing as נָעֻר or the feminine נְעֻרָה, functions primarily as a passive participle derived from the root `{{H5288}}` (נַעַר, *naʻar*), which denotes a "boy" or "young man." As such, H5271 fundamentally refers to the state or period of "youth" or "childhood," or collectively to "young people." Its usage is almost exclusively in the plural, emphasizing either the extended duration of this life stage or the collective body of individuals within it. The semantic range extends from the literal chronological period of early life to a more figurative representation of a nation's formative years or initial period of vigor. It encapsulates the qualities associated with this stage: innocence, vulnerability, potential, and nascent strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H5271 appears approximately 30 times in the Hebrew Bible, revealing a rich tapestry of meaning:
* **Literal Period of Life:** Often, nâʻûwr designates the chronological period of a person's early life. In [[1 Samuel 17:33]], Saul dismisses David's ability to fight Goliath, stating, "you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth." Here, nâʻûwr highlights David's inexperience due to his age. Similarly, [[Ecclesiastes 11:9]] admonishes the young to "rejoice, O young man, in your youth," while cautioning about accountability for actions taken during this time. [[Job 33:25]] speaks of flesh becoming "fresher than a child's; he returns to the days of his youth," indicating a restoration to a vibrant, healthy state.
* **Time of Strength and Vigor:** Beyond mere age, nâʻûwr can signify the vitality and strength characteristic of youth. [[Psalm 103:5]] speaks of God satisfying one's desire "so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's," implying a restoration of vigor and strength.
* **Figurative for a Nation's Early History:** Significantly, H5271 is employed metaphorically to describe the early, formative period of the nation of Israel. [[Jeremiah 2:2]] recalls God's remembrance of Israel's "devotion of your youth, your love as a bride," referring to the period of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, a time of initial faithfulness. [[Ezekiel 16:22]] uses the term to describe Jerusalem's "days of your youth," a time of her humble beginnings and God's tender care. [[Hosea 11:1]] likewise uses "Israel was a child, and I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son," implicitly referencing the nation's nâʻûwr. This figurative usage underscores God's long-standing relationship and covenant with His people from their very inception.
* **Collective "Young People":** Less frequently, H5271 can denote young individuals collectively, as seen in [[Isaiah 54:6]], where the phrase "a wife of youth" (אֵשֶׁת נְעוּרִים) refers to a wife married in one's younger years, implying a long-standing, foundational relationship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of H5271 is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* `{{H5288}}` (נַעַר, *naʻar*): This is the foundational noun from which H5271 is derived. Naʻar typically refers to a "boy," "young man," or "servant." While naʻar identifies the individual, nâʻûwr describes the *state* or *period* of being a naʻar.
* `{{H3206}}` (יֶלֶד, *yeled*): Meaning "child" or "boy," yeled is a more general term for offspring or a young person, often focusing on their status as a dependent or offspring. Nâʻûwr specifically highlights the *stage of life* rather than merely the biological relationship.
* `{{H1121}}` (בֵּן, *ben*): Meaning "son" or "child," ben is broadly used for descendants. Like yeled, it focuses on familial relation, whereas nâʻûwr emphasizes the developmental period.
* `{{H8423}}` (תּוּשִׁיָּה, *tushiyah*): While not directly related in etymology, this word for "sound wisdom" or "effective counsel" is often juxtaposed with youth in wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs). The period of nâʻûwr is seen as a crucial time for acquiring tushiyah and establishing righteous habits.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5271 is multifaceted:
* **Divine Remembrance and Covenant Faithfulness:** God's remembrance of Israel's "youth" ([[Jeremiah 2:2]], [[Ezekiel 16:22]]) underscores His enduring faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they stray. It highlights a period of foundational relationship and initial devotion, serving as a poignant reminder of past intimacy and a call to return.
* **The Period of Formation and Instruction:** The time of nâʻûwr is presented as a critical period for moral and spiritual formation. Biblical wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, frequently addresses the young, emphasizing the importance of heeding instruction, remembering God, and making wise choices during this impressionable stage ([[Proverbs 22:6]], [[Ecclesiastes 11:9-10]], [[Ecclesiastes 12:1]]). The choices made in one's nâʻûwr are depicted as having lasting consequences ([[Job 13:26]]).
* **Vulnerability and Protection:** Youth is a time of both vulnerability and potential. The narratives often portray young individuals (like David) as being underestimated due to their nâʻûwr but also as recipients of divine protection and empowerment. God's care for Israel in her "youth" in the wilderness is a testament to His tender providence over the vulnerable.
* **Potential for Service and Renewal:** Despite its association with inexperience, nâʻûwr also signifies a time of strength, energy, and zeal that can be harnessed for divine service. The renewal of one's nâʻûwr by God ([[Psalm 103:5]]) points to His ability to restore vitality and purpose, enabling believers to serve Him with renewed strength regardless of age.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H5271 (נָעוּר, *nâʻûwr*) comprehensively describes the period of "youth" or "childhood," or collectively "young people." Derived from `{{H5288}}` (נַעַר), it signifies a crucial stage of life marked by both vulnerability and potential. Biblically, it is used literally to denote a chronological age and figuratively to represent the formative, early history of the nation of Israel, emphasizing initial faithfulness and divine provision. Theologically, nâʻûwr highlights God's enduring remembrance of His covenant, underscores the critical importance of early life for moral and spiritual development, and points to the divine capacity for renewal and the potential for zealous service. It is a concept rich with implications for individual responsibility, divine grace, and the historical trajectory of God's people.
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