feminine of צָעִיר; smallness (of age), i.e. juvenility; youth.
Transliteration:tsᵉʻîyrâh
Pronunciation:tseh-ee-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word tsᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H6812}}`) is the feminine form of tsaʻîyr (`{{H6810}}`). Its base definition denotes "smallness (of age), i.e., juvenility; youth." Semantically, it refers to the state or quality of being young, junior, or of a lesser age. While tsaʻîyr (`{{H6810}}`) is more frequently used to describe individuals as "young" or "younger," tsᵉʻîyrâh carries the same core meaning, but in a feminine or abstract nominal sense. It emphasizes the period of life characterized by immaturity, growth, and development, standing in contrast to old age or maturity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma tsᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H6812}}`) itself, as a common noun denoting "youth" or "juvenility," does not appear in the Masoretic Text with this abstract meaning. Its sole occurrence as H6812 is as a proper noun, "Zair," a place name mentioned in [[2 Kings 8:21]] in the context of Jehoram's reign in Judah. This geographical reference provides no insight into the word's abstract semantic range of "youth."
Therefore, to understand the *concept* implied by tsᵉʻîyrâh's base definition, one must look to its masculine counterpart, tsaʻîyr (`{{H6810}}`), and the broader biblical vocabulary for "youth." tsaʻîyr (`{{H6810}}`) is used to describe individuals who are "younger" or "least" in age, such as Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob's sons ([[Genesis 43:33]]), or David, the youngest of Jesse's sons ([[1 Samuel 16:11]]). The biblical narrative often highlights the significance of the "younger" or "least" being chosen by God, subverting human expectations based on primogeniture or age.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is tsaʻîyr (`{{H6810}}`), the masculine form, which frequently appears in the Hebrew Bible to describe individuals as "young," "younger," or "least" in age or status. Other significant Hebrew terms related to the concept of youth include:
* naʻar (`{{H5288}}`): A very common term for a "youth," "boy," or "young man," often also denoting a "servant."
* yeled (`{{H3206}}`): Generally means "child" or "boy," emphasizing offspring.
* ʻelem (`{{H5958}}`): Refers to a "young man" or "lad."
* ʻalmah (`{{H5959}}`): The feminine equivalent of ʻelem, meaning "young woman" or "maiden."
* bachur (`{{H0970}}`): Denotes a "young man" or "chosen one," often in the prime of life, especially for military service.
While tsᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H6812}}`) and tsaʻîyr (`{{H6810}}`) specifically emphasize being "younger" or "small" in age, other terms like naʻar (`{{H5288}}`) and yeled (`{{H3206}}`) are more general terms for different stages of childhood and youth. The distinction often lies in tsaʻîyr's comparative nature, highlighting one's position relative to others in terms of age.
### Theological Significance
Though tsᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H6812}}`) does not directly carry theological weight as a common noun in the biblical text, the underlying concept of "youth" (as derived from its root tsaʻîyr) holds significant theological implications. The Bible often presents youth as a period of formative growth, potential, and divine calling.
God frequently chooses the "younger" or the "least" to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that His power is not dependent on human strength, wisdom, or conventional status. Examples include Jacob chosen over Esau ([[Genesis 25:23]]), David, the youngest son, anointed king ([[1 Samuel 16:11-13]]), and Jeremiah called to prophecy despite his youth ([[Jeremiah 1:6-7]]). This theme underscores divine sovereignty and election, often subverting human hierarchies.
Furthermore, the biblical wisdom tradition encourages remembering God in one's youth ([[Ecclesiastes 12:1]]), emphasizing the importance of dedicating one's early life to righteousness and fearing the Lord before the infirmities of old age set in. Youth is thus presented as a precious time for spiritual formation and commitment.
### Summary
Tsᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H6812}}`) is the feminine form of tsaʻîyr (`{{H6810}}`), carrying the core meaning of "smallness of age," "juvenility," or "youth." While the specific lemma tsᵉʻîyrâh appears only as a proper noun in the biblical text, its semantic range is understood through its masculine counterpart and related terms that describe the state of being young. The broader biblical concept of "youth" is rich with theological significance, often highlighting God's sovereign choice of the seemingly "least" or "youngest" to fulfill His divine plan, and underscoring the importance of spiritual commitment during one's formative years.
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