יַלְדוּת (yal.dut)
yal.dut
youth
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun yaldut refers to the period of childhood or youth, capturing the early stages of life before full maturity. In the Hebrew Bible, it denotes a specific season of human development, distinct from infancy or old age. The term appears in only three verses, primarily within the reflective poetry of Ecclesiastes and the Psalms.
Its usage often highlights the fleeting nature of this time. For instance, Ecclesiastes 11:9 encourages remembering one’s Creator during these days, implying a brief window of vigor before aging sets in. The word carries no inherent moral judgment; it simply marks the temporal space of growing up, serving as a reminder of life’s transient phases.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yaldut points to the vibrant season of youth, a time marked by energy and possibility. It is not merely a biological stage but a distinct period in the human journey, recognized in Scripture as fleeting and precious. This term appears in the Psalms and Ecclesiastes, reminding us that life moves quickly from childhood vigor to mature reflection.
In Ecclesiastes 11:9, this word invites young people to rejoice in their strength while remaining mindful of God’s ultimate judgment. It suggests that enjoying life does not exclude spiritual responsibility. Instead, it frames youth as a gift to be lived intentionally, aware that every action has eternal significance.
For those navigating the transition from youth to adulthood, this word offers comfort. It acknowledges the beauty of early days while gently urging us to anchor our hopes in something permanent. As seasons change, the hope remains that God’s faithfulness outlasts every stage of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- youth/ your1×
- in/ youth/ your1×
- <the>/ youth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַלְדֻתֶֽי/ךָ\׃1×
- הַ/יַּלְד֥וּת1×
- בְּ/יַלְדוּתֶ֗י/ךָ1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
This verse uses yaldut to urge joyful living while explicitly linking it to future divine accountability, balancing freedom with responsibility.
-
Psalms 110:3
Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array. Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
Here the word describes the fresh, dew-like vitality of God’s people on the day of His power, symbolizing renewed strength and willingness.
-
Ecclesiastes 11:10
Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
The term is paired with the dawn of life to highlight its transient nature, warning that even youthful vigor is ultimately vanity without God.