from נָעַר in its derivative sense of tossing about; a wanderer; young one.
Transliteration:naʻar
Pronunciation:nah'-ar
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term naʻar (`{{H5289}}`) is derived from the root נָעַר (naʻar), which carries a sense of "tossing about" or "shaking off." This etymological connection subtly suggests a state of immaturity, instability, or a lack of fixed status, akin to something not yet settled. However, the primary and most frequent semantic range of naʻar denotes a "young one," encompassing a broad spectrum of ages and social roles.
Its usage ranges from:
* **Infant or young child:** As seen in the description of Moses as a baby ([[Exodus 2:6]]) or Isaac at the time of the binding ([[Genesis 22:5]], [[Genesis 22:12]]).
* **Adolescent or youth:** Joseph is called a naʻar at seventeen ([[Genesis 37:2]]), as is Samuel serving in the temple ([[1 Samuel 2:18]], [[1 Samuel 3:1]]) and David before his encounter with Goliath ([[1 Samuel 17:33]], [[1 Samuel 17:42]]).
* **Young man or servant/attendant:** This is a very common usage, where naʻar refers to an individual, often young, who is in a position of service or dependence. This can include Abraham's servants ([[Genesis 18:7]]), Elisha's attendant ([[2 Kings 4:12]]), or military pages ([[Judges 7:10]]). In this sense, the term emphasizes status rather than strict age, indicating someone under the authority or care of another.
* **Less commonly, a young woman:** While primarily masculine, naʻar can occasionally refer to a young woman, as seen in the description of Ruth as a "young woman" to Boaz's servant ([[Ruth 2:6]]) or the virgins gathered for King Ahasuerus ([[Esther 2:4]]).
The flexibility of naʻar underscores its contextual nature, where the specific meaning must be discerned from the surrounding narrative. It often highlights a period of development, vulnerability, potential, or subordinate status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The ubiquity of naʻar across the Hebrew Bible demonstrates its vital role in describing individuals at various stages of life and societal positions.
* **Infancy and Childhood:** In [[Exodus 2:6]], Pharaoh's daughter sees the infant Moses in the basket and declares, "This is one of the Hebrews' naʻarim (plural of naʻar)." Similarly, Isaac is referred to as a naʻar even as a child accompanying Abraham to Mount Moriah ([[Genesis 22:5]], [[Genesis 22:12]]), emphasizing his youth and dependence.
* **Adolescence and Early Adulthood:** Joseph, at seventeen, is called a naʻar ([[Genesis 37:2]]), highlighting his relative inexperience among his older brothers. Samuel is repeatedly called a naʻar while ministering before the Lord ([[1 Samuel 2:18]], [[1 Samuel 3:1]]), underscoring his youthful dedication and divine calling. David, prior to his battle with Goliath, is dismissed as a naʻar ([[1 Samuel 17:33]], [[1 Samuel 17:42]]) due to his youth and lack of military experience, contrasting with his eventual demonstration of divine strength.
* **Servant or Attendant:** This is perhaps the most pervasive use. Abraham's trusted servant, though likely older, is referred to as a naʻar when he fetches a calf for the angelic visitors ([[Genesis 18:7]]), indicating his role as an attendant. Elisha's personal attendant is consistently called his naʻar ([[2 Kings 4:12]]), signifying his close relationship and subservient role. In military contexts, naʻarim often denote young men serving as soldiers or armor-bearers, such as Jonathan's naʻar ([[1 Samuel 14:1]]) or Gideon's naʻar ([[Judges 7:10]]). This usage highlights a relationship of dependence, loyalty, and often, readiness for instruction or command.
* **Female Usage:** The occasional application of naʻar to young women, such as Ruth ([[Ruth 2:6]]) or the virgins in Esther's story ([[Esther 2:4]]), demonstrates the term's capacity to describe youthfulness irrespective of gender, though the masculine form is used.
The contextual analysis reveals that naʻar is a dynamic term, adapting its specific nuance based on the surrounding narrative, emphasizing age, social status, or function.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of naʻar intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to age, family, and social roles:
* **`{{H3206}}` (yeled):** This term more specifically denotes a "child" or "boy," often from birth. While naʻar can refer to an infant, yeled is more common for very young children. naʻar often implies a child who is slightly older, capable of more independence or service.
* **`{{H1121}}` (ben):** A very broad term meaning "son," "child," or "descendant." naʻar specifies the age or developmental stage within the broader category of ben.
* **`{{H376}}` (ish):** Meaning "man" or "husband," this term represents the adult male. naʻar often stands in contrast to ish, signifying a stage of life prior to full adulthood and independent status. The progression from naʻar to ish marks a significant transition in biblical narratives.
* **`{{H5650}}` (eved):** Meaning "servant" or "slave." While naʻar can function as a servant, eved is a more general term for one who serves, regardless of age. Many naʻarim are evedim, but not all evedim are naʻarim. The overlap highlights the common social role of young individuals in service.
* **Concepts of Immaturity and Potential:** The root sense of "tossing about" links naʻar to a state of being unformed or still developing. This contrasts with the stability and wisdom often associated with elders. However, it also implies great potential for growth, learning, and future leadership or significant action, as seen in the lives of Samuel and David.
### Theological Significance
The multifaceted nature of naʻar carries profound theological implications:
* **Divine Providence and Protection:** God consistently demonstrates care for the naʻar, particularly those in vulnerable positions. The stories of Moses, Samuel, and David illustrate God's hand guiding and protecting them from infancy or youth, preparing them for future roles. This highlights God's sovereignty over all stages of life and His particular concern for the seemingly weak or insignificant.
* **Calling and Empowerment of the Young:** The Bible frequently depicts God calling individuals in their youth to significant prophetic or leadership roles. Samuel ([[1 Samuel 3:1-10]]) and Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 1:6-7]]) are prime examples, demonstrating that God's choice is not limited by age or perceived inexperience, but often highlights His power perfected in weakness.
* **Obedience and Formation:** The naʻar is often in a position of learning and obedience, whether to parents, masters, or God. This period of formation is crucial for developing character and readiness for future responsibilities. The faithfulness of a naʻar in small tasks often precedes greater entrustment.
* **Vulnerability and Justice:** The Law and prophetic literature often emphasize the protection of the vulnerable, including the young (naʻarim), orphans, and widows. This underscores God's demand for justice and compassion towards those who lack full societal standing or protection.
* **Hope and Future:** The presence of naʻarim in a community signifies its future. Their development, training, and spiritual formation are essential for the continuation of God's covenant people and their mission.
### Summary
The Hebrew word naʻar (`{{H5289}}`) is a rich and dynamic term primarily denoting a "young one," encompassing a wide age range from infancy to young adulthood. Its etymological root suggests a state of being unsettled or in development. Crucially, naʻar also frequently describes an individual in a subordinate, dependent, or serving role, highlighting status as much as age.
Biblical occurrences demonstrate its versatile application to figures like Moses as an infant, Joseph and Samuel as adolescents, David as a youth, and numerous individuals serving as attendants or soldiers. Its meaning is always deeply contextual, revealing aspects of vulnerability, potential, and readiness for instruction or service.
Theologically, naʻar underscores themes of divine providence and protection over the young, God's sovereign calling and empowerment of individuals in their youth, the importance of obedience and formation, and the biblical emphasis on justice for the vulnerable. Ultimately, naʻar is more than a simple age descriptor; it is a term that illuminates key aspects of human development, social structure, and divine interaction within the biblical narrative, emphasizing the journey from dependence to maturity and service.
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