from נָעַר; (compare נַעַר); (abstractly) boyhood; child, youth.
Transliteration:nôʻar
Pronunciation:no'-ar
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H5290}}`, *nôʻar* (נֹעַר), is an abstract term primarily denoting the period of "boyhood," "youth," or "childhood." Its etymological root is closely linked to the verb `{{H5287}}` (*naʻar*), meaning "to shake off" or "to shake out," and it is explicitly compared to the concrete noun `{{H5288}}` (*naʻar*), which refers to a "boy," "youth," or "lad." This connection suggests that *nôʻar* signifies a period of life characterized by vigor, unformed potential, or perhaps the "shaking off" of the earliest stages of infancy, moving into a more active, yet still developing, phase. Unlike `{{H5288}}` which identifies an individual, `{{H5290}}` describes the *state* or *period* of being young, encompassing the years of immaturity, growth, and learning before full adulthood. Its semantic range thus covers the formative years of life, often implying inexperience, vulnerability, and a stage of dependency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not among the most frequently occurring Hebrew words, `{{H5290}}` appears in several significant contexts, predominantly in the books of Samuel, Psalms, and Job. It is often found with the preposition *min* (מִן), meaning "from," indicating a starting point in one's life.
For example, in [[1 Samuel 17:33]], Saul dismisses David's ability to fight Goliath, stating, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth (*naʻar*), and he has been a man of war from his youth (*nôʻar*)." Here, `{{H5290}}` clearly denotes the duration of Goliath's military experience, emphasizing his long-standing expertise compared to David's relative inexperience.
In the Psalms, *nôʻar* frequently appears in the context of a lifetime of divine relationship or personal reflection. [[Psalm 71:17]] declares, "O God, you have taught me from my youth (*nôʻar*), and I still declare your wondrous deeds." Similarly, [[Psalm 88:15]] laments, "Afflicted and ready to die from my youth (*nôʻar*) on; I suffer your terrors; I am helpless." These uses highlight *nôʻar* as a significant period in one's life, often recalled as the origin of divine instruction or the onset of suffering.
[[Job 33:25]] uses *nôʻar* to describe a renewed state of physical vitality: "let his flesh become fresher than a child's (*nôʻar*); let him return to the days of his youthful vigor." Here, it signifies the freshness and robustness associated with the early stages of life. The term also appears in [[Isaiah 54:6]] in the phrase "the wife of one's youth" (אֵשֶׁת נְעוּרִים), referring to the spouse married during the early, formative period of life, often implying a long-standing covenant relationship.
Across these occurrences, `{{H5290}}` consistently refers to a stage of life rather than a precise age, emphasizing the characteristics associated with that period: inexperience, potential, vigor, or the beginning of a long-term condition or relationship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relative to `{{H5290}}` is `{{H5288}}` (*naʻar*), the concrete noun for "boy," "youth," or "servant." While `{{H5288}}` refers to the person, `{{H5290}}` refers to the abstract state or period of being such a person. Both derive from the verbal root `{{H5287}}` (*naʻar*), "to shake off," which might metaphorically convey the idea of being unburdened by adult responsibilities or the dynamic, formative nature of youth.
Other related terms include:
* `{{H3206}}` (*yeled*): A more general term for "child" or "boy," often focusing on offspring or progeny. While overlapping in age, *nôʻar* emphasizes the *period* of life.
* `{{H5769}}` (*ʻolam*): "Eternity," "long duration," or "age." While not directly synonymous, the phrase "from one's youth" (מִנְּעוּרָיו) can parallel the idea of a long-standing condition or relationship that has endured for an extensive "age."
Conceptually, `{{H5290}}` is linked to themes of:
* **Innocence and Inexperience:** The lack of worldly wisdom or the fresh perspective often associated with youth.
* **Vulnerability and Dependence:** The need for guidance, protection, and provision during a stage of development.
* **Formation and Development:** The critical period during which character, beliefs, and skills are shaped.
* **Remembrance and Reflection:** Often used in contexts where individuals look back on their past, particularly their early years.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5290}}` primarily revolves around the enduring nature of God's relationship with humanity and the importance of early life stages in spiritual formation.
1. **Divine Faithfulness from the Outset:** The frequent phrase "from my youth" (e.g., [[Psalm 71:17]]) underscores God's consistent presence and instruction throughout an individual's life, beginning from their earliest formative years. It speaks to God's covenant faithfulness that extends across generations and personal lifespans, demonstrating His proactive engagement with His people from their very beginnings.
2. **A Time of Spiritual Formation:** The period of *nôʻar* is presented as a crucial time for receiving divine teaching and experiencing God's work. The experiences and lessons learned during youth are foundational, shaping an individual's spiritual trajectory. This implies a divine expectation for the young to be receptive to instruction and for the community to provide it.
3. **Vulnerability and Divine Providence:** The inherent vulnerability of youth necessitates divine protection and guidance. While the term itself doesn't explicitly state this, the broader biblical narrative often portrays God as the protector of the weak and the provider for the young, mirroring the care required during the period of *nôʻar*.
4. **Reflection on God's Works:** When individuals recall their experiences "from their youth," it often leads to a testimony of God's enduring goodness, deliverance, or consistent presence amidst trials. This retrospective view affirms God's sovereignty over the entire span of a human life.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5290}}`, *nôʻar* (נֹעַר), functions as an abstract noun denoting "boyhood," "youth," or "childhood." Derived from the root `{{H5287}}` ("to shake off") and closely related to `{{H5288}}` ("boy, youth"), it signifies the period of life characterized by immaturity, growth, and formation, as opposed to a specific individual. In biblical texts, *nôʻar* frequently appears with the preposition "from," indicating a starting point in one's life, often in contexts of recalling past experiences or emphasizing the duration of a condition or relationship. Theologically, *nôʻar* highlights God's enduring faithfulness and instruction from the earliest stages of life, underscoring the critical importance of spiritual formation during these formative years. It also implicitly points to the vulnerability of youth and the need for divine and communal guidance during this foundational period of human development.
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