νεωτερικός (neōterikos)
neōterikos
youthful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective neōterikos describes something characteristic of youth, carrying the sense of being youthful or juvenile in nature. Derived from a root meaning "younger," it functions as an attributive descriptor for qualities rather than people, marking traits associated with the energy and impulsiveness of early life.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, where Paul instructs Timothy to flee youthful passions (2 Timothy 2:22). Here, it modifies desires or impulses that are typical of a younger age. The term highlights specific behavioral tendencies linked to immaturity, distinguishing them from the steadier virtues expected of older believers.
Translators typically render this as "youthful" to preserve the connection to age-related behavior. It serves as a precise label for the kind of passions that require active avoidance, framing them not as inherently evil but as characteristic of a developmental stage that should be left behind in spiritual growth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word neōterikos points to the specific energy and impulsiveness often found in youth. It describes passions that are characteristic of an earlier stage of life, not necessarily evil in themselves, but immature in their expression. Paul uses this term in his letter to Timothy to identify desires that can distract from spiritual maturity.
Understanding this word helps us see that growing in faith involves a conscious shift away from reactive impulses. It is not about suppressing emotion, but about directing our energy toward lasting virtues like righteousness and peace. This transition marks the journey from youthful excitement to steady devotion.
When you feel pulled by sudden urges or impatience, remember that this is a common part of human development. The call to flee these passions is an invitation to pursue something deeper and more enduring. It encourages us to grow into a faith that is calm, purposeful, and rooted in love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- youthful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νεωτερικὰς1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 2:22
Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
This is the only occurrence of neōterikos in the New Testament, where Paul specifically identifies 'youthful lusts' as things to flee rather than embrace.