### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâchûwr**, represented by `{{H970}}`, properly means selected or chosen, and is typically used to refer to a **youth** or **young man**. It appears **45 times** across **44 unique verses** in the Bible. The term often carries the connotation of strength, vitality, and being in the prime of life, frequently referring to a nation's choicest men or warriors.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H970}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is frequently part of a list describing an entire population, often contrasted with other groups like old men, virgins, and children to show the sweeping nature of an event, such as divine blessing [[Joel 2:28]] or judgment [[Ezekiel 9:6]]. The term signifies a nation's strength and future, as seen in [[Proverbs 20:29]], which states, "The glory of **young men** is their strength." Consequently, the death of **young men** by the sword is a recurring sign of catastrophic judgment and military defeat [[Amos 4:10]]. The word also describes desirable and renowned leaders [[Ezekiel 23:23]]. In one unique instance, it is used idiomatically for "holes," where people are snared [[Isaiah 42:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the life stages and social roles surrounding the **young man**:
* `{{H2205}}` **zâqên** (old): Often appearing in direct contrast to `{{H970}}`, this term for an **elder** or **old man** completes the spectrum of age. This pairing is used to show that God's actions impact all generations, from the **young men** who see visions to the **old men** who dream dreams [[Joel 2:28]].
* `{{H1330}}` **bᵉthûwlâh** (virgin): This word for a **maid** or **virgin** is the common female counterpart to `{{H970}}`. They are often mentioned together, whether rejoicing in a time of restoration [[Jeremiah 31:13]] or suffering in a time of judgment [[Lamentations 1:18]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): A broader term for a male descendant, **son** is used to describe familial relationships and national identity. God raises up **sons** for prophets and **young men** for Nazarites, showing distinct but related callings for the younger generation [[Amos 2:11]].
* `{{H5288}}` **naʻar** (boy): Representing a male from infancy to adolescence, this term denotes a younger stage of life than **bâchûwr**. In contexts of total destruction, both the **young man** `{{H970}}` and the **young** `{{H5288}}` are listed as victims [[Jeremiah 51:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H970}}` is significant, highlighting key themes about God's relationship with His people.
* **The Scope of Judgment and Blessing:** The repeated inclusion of **young men** alongside the old, women, and children emphasizes that God's actions are comprehensive. No demographic is spared from judgment [[Lamentations 2:21]] or excluded from the promise of His spirit [[Joel 2:28]].
* **The Strength of a Nation:** The **young men** are depicted as the flower of the nation. Their vitality is a sign of blessing, as when corn and new wine make them cheerful [[Zechariah 9:17]]. Conversely, their downfall signifies complete national collapse and the execution of divine wrath [[Isaiah 9:17]].
* **Divine Selection:** The root meaning of "selected" is crucial. This is seen in the description of Saul as "a choice **young man**" [[1 Samuel 9:2]] and the "chosen men of Israel" [[Psalms 78:31]]. It underscores that their value, strength, and purpose are ultimately defined by God's choice.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H970}}` is a specific and potent term. It goes beyond a simple age descriptor to signify the selected strength, potential, and future of a community. Whether depicted as glorious in their strength, chosen for a special purpose, or falling in judgment, the **bâchûwr** serves as a vital indicator of the spiritual and physical state of the nation in its relationship with God.
TRV