νεανίσκος (neaniskos)
neaniskos
young man
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word neaniskos refers to a young man, typically in the transition from boyhood to full adulthood. As a diminutive form of neanis, it carries a sense of youthfulness and perhaps inexperience, distinguishing its subject from older, established figures. In the New Testament, this term appears eleven times, offering glimpses into the lives of individuals who are energetic but still developing.
Its usage varies significantly depending on context. In Matthew 19:20 and Mark 14:51, it describes a disciple or an unnamed young man fleeing naked, highlighting vulnerability or sudden action. Conversely, in Acts 5:10, the same word identifies the attendants who carry out Peter’s wife, showing its application to servants or helpers. This range allows translators to render it as "young man," "youth," or even "attendant" based on the narrative role.
The term also appears in Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:17, quoting Joel about sons and daughters prophesying, where it underscores the inclusion of the younger generation in God’s work. By capturing both age and social status, neaniskos provides a nuanced view of youth in the biblical world, whether as eager followers, nervous servants, or participants in divine promises.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a person in the vibrant transition between boyhood and full adulthood. It captures a specific season of life filled with energy and potential, yet often marked by a lack of experience or established status. In the biblical narrative, these young men are not merely background characters; they are individuals facing pivotal moments that define their spiritual trajectory.
Consider the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. He approached Jesus with sincerity, claiming to have kept the commandments from his youth. His story reminds us that youthful enthusiasm and moral effort are noble, yet they can sometimes become barriers when we cling to our own resources rather than surrendering to Christ. Similarly, the young man in Luke 7 who was raised from the dead shows that Jesus’ power extends to every stage of life, offering hope even in the face of premature death.
For those in this season, there is a unique opportunity to serve and witness. In Acts 2, Peter declares that these young men will see visions, indicating that God actively involves them in His work. This word invites you to embrace your current stage with honesty, recognizing that strength and vulnerability often coexist. It is a time to build faith, knowing that your contributions matter to the broader story of God’s people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- young man4×
- young men,2×
- young men.1×
- young men1×
- young man;1×
- young [men]1×
- a young man1×
- Young man,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νεανίσκον3×
- νεανίσκος2×
- νεανίσκοι,2×
- νεανίσκοι2×
- νεανίσκος·1×
- νεανίσκοι.1×
- νεανίσκε,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 19:20
The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?”
This verse highlights the young man's sincere but incomplete understanding of spiritual depth, as he claims obedience from his youth yet lacks the willingness to sacrifice.
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Luke 7:14
He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”
Here Jesus uses the term to address a deceased individual, demonstrating that divine authority over life and death applies regardless of age or social standing.
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I John 2:14
I have written to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
John specifically encourages young men by linking their spiritual strength directly to the enduring presence of God's word in their lives.
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Acts 2:17
‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.
Peter quotes Joel to show that the outpouring of the Spirit includes young men, granting them the privilege of seeing visions and participating in God's future plans.