from עָלַם; (compare עַלְמָה); properly, something kept out of sight, i.e. a lad; young man, stripling.
Transliteration:ʻelem
Pronunciation:eh'-lem
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻelem (`{{H5958}}`) derives from the root ʻalam (`{{H5956}}`), which signifies "to hide" or "to conceal." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the nuanced meaning of ʻelem. While its primary definition is "young man," "lad," or "stripling," the underlying sense of "hidden" suggests a stage of life that is not yet fully revealed, developed, or publicly recognized. It points to a period of immaturity, potential, or perhaps a lack of public standing or full adult responsibility.
Semantically, ʻelem refers to a male individual typically past childhood but not yet a fully established adult, patriarch, or elder. It denotes a person in a formative stage, possessing youthful vigor and strength, yet perhaps lacking the wisdom, experience, or authority associated with maturity. This term stands in parallel with ʻalmah (`{{H5959}}`), its feminine counterpart, which similarly denotes a "young woman" or "maiden," often implying virginity or a state of being "hidden" from public marital life. Thus, ʻelem encapsulates the idea of a male in the process of becoming, whose full capabilities or destiny are still unfolding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻelem (`{{H5958}}`) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but each instance provides valuable insight into its usage:
* In [[1 Samuel 17:56]], after David has slain Goliath, King Saul asks Abner, "Whose son is this ʻelem?" Here, ʻelem emphasizes David's youth and his relatively unknown status prior to his heroic act. It underscores his humble origins and the unexpected nature of his victory, highlighting that God often works through those who appear unassuming or "hidden" to the world.
* In [[1 Samuel 20:22]], Jonathan instructs his ʻelem (servant or attendant) to "go, find out the arrows." In this context, ʻelem refers to a young male servant or subordinate, implying a role of assistance or apprenticeship. This usage aligns with the idea of a young person in a developing or subordinate position.
* [[Job 30:12]] states, "Upon my right hand rise the ʻelem; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction." Here, ʻelem refers to young men who mock and attack Job, illustrating a negative aspect of youth characterized by insolence, lack of respect, and perhaps a reckless disregard for elders.
* [[Proverbs 20:29]] declares, "The glory of ʻelem is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head." This verse directly links ʻelem with physical strength and vigor, presenting it as a characteristic attribute of youth. It contrasts the active, dynamic nature of the young with the wisdom and experience of the aged, further solidifying the understanding of ʻelem as a stage of life marked by physical capability.
Across these contexts, ʻelem consistently denotes a male in a transitional phase of life—capable of action and possessing strength, yet often in a subordinate role or still in the process of achieving full maturity and societal recognition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻelem (`{{H5958}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms denoting age and status:
* **ʻalam (`{{H5956}}`):** As the root verb meaning "to hide" or "to conceal," it provides the foundational concept for ʻelem. This shared etymology underscores the idea of a young person whose full identity, capabilities, or destiny is not yet fully revealed or realized.
* **ʻalmah (`{{H5959}}`):** The direct feminine counterpart, ʻalmah refers to a "young woman" or "maiden," often implying virginity. The parallel structure highlights a common understanding of youth as a period of being "unrevealed" or "unclaimed" in terms of mature societal roles (e.g., marriage, full public life).
* **na'ar (`{{H5288}}`):** This is a much more common and broader term, encompassing "boy," "youth," "servant," or "young man." While na'ar can refer to individuals from infancy to young adulthood and frequently denotes a servant, ʻelem seems to carry a more specific nuance of a developing, vigorous young man whose potential is still unfolding, perhaps with less emphasis on the servant aspect unless contextually specified.
* **bachur (`{{H970}}`):** Meaning "young man" or "chosen one," bachur often emphasizes one who is fit for military service, marriage, or other significant life stages, implying a more active or decisive role than ʻelem.
* **yeled (`{{H3206}}`):** A general term for "child" or "boy," yeled typically refers to a younger age than ʻelem.
In comparison, ʻelem stands out for its etymological connection to "hiddenness," suggesting a unique emphasis on the internal, developing nature of the young man, rather than solely his external role or physical age.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻelem (`{{H5958}}`) lies in its portrayal of youth as a critical period of formation, potential, and divine interaction.
1. **Divine Potential in the Unseen:** The root meaning of "hidden" suggests that God often sees and works through individuals who may appear insignificant or undeveloped in the eyes of the world. David, as an ʻelem (`{{H5958}}`), was chosen by God despite his youth and obscurity, demonstrating God's ability to discern and utilize latent potential (cf. [[1 Samuel 16:7]]). This highlights a theological principle that God's perspective transcends human judgment of age or status.
2. **Formative Stage and Responsibility:** The period of being an ʻelem is one where character is shaped, strength is developed, and lessons are learned. While the term can denote youthful vigor ([[Proverbs 20:29]]), it also implicitly calls for guidance and instruction, as seen in the wisdom literature's frequent admonitions to the young. The negative portrayal in [[Job 30:12]] serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unbridled youth and the need for humility and respect.
3. **Transition and Succession:** The ʻelem represents a generation in transition, preparing to assume the mantle of leadership and responsibility. The biblical narrative frequently highlights the passing of the torch from older generations to younger ones, and the ʻelem is a key figure in this ongoing divine plan for Israel's future.
Thus, ʻelem speaks to a divinely ordained stage of life, marked by development, potential, and the crucial need for spiritual and moral formation, undergirded by God's sovereign hand in raising up individuals for His purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻelem (`{{H5958}}`) denotes a "young man" or "lad," rooted in the concept of "hiddenness" or "concealment" (from ʻalam, `{{H5956}}`). This etymology suggests a period of life that is not yet fully revealed or mature, emphasizing potential rather than established status. Biblically, ʻelem describes individuals like David in his youth, highlighting his unassuming beginnings, or a young servant, underscoring a subordinate yet capable role. It also identifies the vigor characteristic of youth, alongside potential for insolence if not guided. Theologically, ʻelem points to God's ability to see and work through those who appear "hidden" or undeveloped, emphasizing youth as a crucial, formative stage for character building and the realization of divine purpose. It underscores the importance of strength and potential in the young, while implicitly calling for wisdom and guidance in their development.
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