בָּחוּר (ba.chur)
ba.chur
youth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun bachur refers to a young man, specifically one in the prime of youth who is unmarried and physically mature. Its meaning derives from the verb "to choose," so it literally describes someone who has been selected or chosen. This etymology highlights the cultural value placed on this stage of life as a period of strength, vitality, and potential.
In Scripture, bachur often appears in contexts involving warfare or judgment, where young men are depicted as the strongest warriors. Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah use the term to describe the tragic loss of these vigorous defenders, emphasizing the severity of national disaster when such life is cut short (Jeremiah 18:21; Lamentations 1:18). It also appears in positive contexts, such as describing a young man’s integrity or the joy of marriage (Ruth 3:10; Isaiah 62:5).
The word carries a sense of distinction. Because it implies being "chosen," it often connotes physical beauty or strength rather than just age. This nuance explains why it is frequently paired with terms for young women, highlighting the parallel vitality and potential of both genders in their prime.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word bachur describes a young man in the prime of his life, characterized by physical strength and vitality. It carries the sense of being chosen or selected, highlighting this stage as a time of distinct potential and energy. In Scripture, these young men are often depicted as warriors or leaders, representing the peak of human capability before the weariness of age sets in.
While the word frequently appears in contexts of judgment where such strength is cut short, it also celebrates the joy of marriage and the beauty of youth. This duality reminds us that life’s vigor is a gift from God, meant to be used for good and enjoyed with gratitude. We are invited to honor this season of life while trusting in God’s enduring strength, which outlasts our own.
For those in their youth, this word encourages the responsible use of energy and talent. For older believers, it offers a reminder of the value of every generation. The biblical narrative shows that whether in triumph or tragedy, these young lives are known to God. We can find comfort in knowing that our worth is not defined by our strength alone, but by our relationship with the Creator who sustains all ages.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- young men6×
- young men/ its5×
- young man3×
- the/ young men3×
- a young man3×
- young men/ your2×
- young men/ their2×
- and/ young men/ my2×
- and/ young men2×
- young men/ my1×
- and/ young men/ their1×
- and/ young men/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּחוּרִ֖ים3×
- וּ/בַחוּרַ֖/י2×
- בָּחוּר֙2×
- בָּח֣וּר2×
- בָּח֖וּר2×
- בַחוּרֶ֖י/הָ2×
- וּ/מִ/בַּחוּרֵי/כֶ֖ם1×
- וּ/בַחוּרָ֖י/ו1×
- וּ/בַחוּרֵ֖י1×
- וּ/בַחוּרִ֖ים1×
- וּ/בַחֻרִ֥ים1×
- וּ/בַחֻֽרֵי/הֶם֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 9:2
He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man; and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he. From his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people.
This verse uses bachur to describe Saul’s impressive physical stature, linking the term directly to natural beauty and strength in a positive light.
-
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
Here the word contrasts the glory of youth with the honor of age, establishing bachur as the period defined by physical power.
-
Isaiah 62:5
For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you. As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.
The metaphor of a young man marrying a virgin illustrates God’s joyful relationship with His people, using bachur to signify vitality and new beginnings.
-
II Kings 8:12
Hazael said, “Why do you weep, my lord?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel. You will set their strongholds on fire, and you will kill their young men with the sword, and will dash their little ones in pieces, and rip up their pregnant women.”
Elisha weeps because he knows Hazael will kill the young men, showing how the loss of bachur represents a devastating blow to a nation's future strength.
-
Ruth 3:10
He said, “You are blessed by Yahweh, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, because you didn’t follow young men, whether poor or rich.
Boaz praises Ruth for not following other young men, using the term to denote eligible bachelors in the context of marriage customs.