νέος (neos)
neos
new
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word neos describes something that is new in terms of time or age. It refers to things that have recently come into existence, such as new wine in Matthew 9:17 and Mark 2:22, or a new covenant mentioned in Hebrews 12:24. The term also applies to people who are young or youthful, appearing in passages like Luke 15:13 when describing the younger son, and in 1 Timothy 5:11 regarding younger widows.
A key distinction lies in its usage compared to kainos, which emphasizes quality or novelty rather than time. While neos focuses on recency, it can also carry a metaphorical weight for spiritual renewal, as seen in Colossians 3:10 where believers are described as putting on the new self. The comparative form, neoteros, simply means younger and is used to contrast individuals like Peter and John in John 21:18 or elders and younger men in 1 Peter 5:5.
This adjective captures the essence of freshness and youthfulness across various contexts. Its frequent appearance in the Gospels highlights its role in describing both literal newness and the vitality associated with young age. The word provides a straightforward yet nuanced way to express concepts of beginning, youth, and recent origin within the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word neos simply means new in terms of time or age. It describes things that have recently come into existence or people who are young. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to talk about new wine and fresh wineskins, showing that new life often requires a new way of living. This is not just about being youthful but about freshness and vitality.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God brings new beginnings. In Colossians, we are told to put on the new self, which is being renewed every day. This renewal happens as we grow in knowledge and reflect the image of our Creator. It is a gentle invitation to let go of old patterns and embrace the fresh grace God offers.
Whether you are young or older, this word speaks to your place in God’s story. It encourages humility and openness to change. As you walk with Christ, may you find comfort in knowing that He makes all things new, giving you strength for each new day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- new9×
- younger [men]3×
- younger,2×
- younger2×
- new,2×
- younger [ones],1×
- young [women]1×
- a new1×
- [the] younger [ones]1×
- [and] younger [women]1×
- Younger1×
- Nea1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νέον7×
- νεωτέρας3×
- νέος2×
- νέον,2×
- νέας2×
- νεώτερος,2×
- νεώτερος2×
- νεωτέρους2×
- νεώτεροι,1×
- νεώτεροι1×
- Νέαν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:17
Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Jesus uses this word to explain why His new message cannot be forced into old religious structures without causing damage.
-
Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,
Paul describes the believer's renewed inner life as putting on a new self that is constantly being restored in knowledge.
-
Hebrews 12:24
to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel.
The author contrasts this new covenant with the old one, highlighting Jesus as its mediator and the superior blood He shed.
-
Luke 15:13
Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living.
This verse identifies the younger son who leaves home, showing how the word marks a stage of life often associated with independence and risk.