### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shachărûwth**, represented by `{{H7839}}`, means **youth**. Its base definition is "a dawning, i.e. (figuratively) juvenescence," linking this stage of life to the beginning of a new day. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H7839}}` is in [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]], where it is used to draw a conclusion about the nature of early life. The verse advises the reader to "remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh." The reason given for this instruction is that both **childhood** `{{H3208}}` and **youth** `{{H7839}}` are described as **vanity** `{{H1892}}`. In this context, **youth** represents a fleeting, transitory phase of life that, in itself, is unsatisfactory.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context in [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]] illuminate the meaning of `{{H7839}}`:
* `{{H3208}}` **yaldûwth** (childhood): This word, meaning "boyhood (or girlhood)," is used in direct parallel with **youth**. The pairing emphasizes that the entire early period of life is being discussed [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]].
* `{{H1892}}` **hebel** (vanity): This is the key descriptor applied to **youth**. Defined as "emptiness or vanity," it signifies something transitory and unsatisfactory, a theme found elsewhere when describing beauty as **vain** [[Proverbs 31:30]].
* `{{H3708}}` **kaʻaç** (sorrow): This term for "vexation" or "grief" is what the verse commands to be removed from the heart in light of youth's fleeting nature [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7839}}` is entirely derived from its context within the book of Ecclesiastes.
* **The Transience of Life:** By labeling **youth** as **vanity** `{{H1892}}`, the text underscores a central biblical theme: the temporary and fleeting nature of earthly life. It presents youth not as an end in itself, but as a passing stage.
* **A Call to Moral Wisdom:** The statement about **youth** serves as the foundation for a moral command. Because youth is temporary, one is urged to actively remove **sorrow** `{{H3708}}` from the heart and put away **evil** `{{H7451}}` from the flesh [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]].
* **Heart and Flesh:** The instruction connects the abstract state of **youth** to the tangible aspects of human experience: the **heart** `{{H3820}}`, representing the inner life of feelings, and the **flesh** `{{H1320}}`, representing the physical body and its actions.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7839}}` is a narrowly focused term for **youth**. Its single use in scripture defines this life stage as **vanity** `{{H1892}}`, not to dismiss its value, but to highlight its temporary nature. This understanding serves as a powerful motivation to live wisely, purposefully managing one's inner disposition and outward actions during this fleeting "dawning" period of life.
TRV