נְעוּרִים (na.ur)
na.ur
youth
H:N-M/FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M/F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ne’urim refers to youth or early life, capturing the period of vitality and inexperience that precedes adulthood. It appears thirty-four times in the Old Testament, with a significant concentration in the poetic books like Psalms and the prophetic writings of Jeremiah and Isaiah. The term evokes the freshness and energy associated with being young, often standing in contrast to the weariness or wisdom of older age.
While the word typically describes human youth, it is also used metaphorically. In Jeremiah 32:30, for instance, the phrase "youth of Israel" is applied to the nation itself, suggesting a time of initial devotion that was later abandoned. This figurative usage highlights how the concept of early life carries connotations of beginnings and potential, which can be either cherished or lost depending on the context.
Translators generally render ne’urim as "youth" or "early days," preserving the sense of a distinct season in life. The word does not merely denote age but implies the specific qualities of that time—strength, vigor, and perhaps a lack of seasoned judgment. Its presence in lament psalms often recalls a past innocence or strength that has since faded.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Being young often feels like a season of boundless energy, yet it is also marked by inexperience and vulnerability. This Hebrew word captures that specific time of life, highlighting both the vigor of early years and the potential for mistakes made without full wisdom. It reminds us that our beginnings shape who we become, whether through initial devotion or early errors that leave a lasting mark.
Scripture acknowledges this reality with honesty. In Psalms, believers ask God to remember their youth not as a record of failure, but as a time when they first learned to trust Him. This perspective offers comfort. It suggests that your past does not define your future. Even if early choices were flawed, or if you feel the weight of inexperience today, there is hope for renewal and fresh strength.
Whether you are navigating the challenges of early adulthood or reflecting on the memories of your younger years, this word invites grace. It encourages you to view your life’s journey with patience, knowing that God meets you where you are, honoring both your vitality and your need for guidance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- since/ youth<s>/ my8×
- youth<s>/ your5×
- youth<s>/ my4×
- since/ youth<s>/ your3×
- since/ youth<s>/ our3×
- youth<s>/ her2×
- since/ youth<s>/ his2×
- youth<s>1×
- since/ youth<s>/ their1×
- since/ youth<s>/ its1×
- like/ youth<s>/ her1×
- in/ youth<s>/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְעוּרָֽ/י\׃2×
- מִ/נְּעוּרָֽ/י\׃2×
- מִ/נְּעוּרָ֑/י2×
- נְעוּרָֽיְ/כִי\׃1×
- נְעוּרַ֨/י\׀1×
- נְעוּרַ֔יִ/ךְ1×
- נְעוּרֶֽי/הָ\׃1×
- נְעוּרֶֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- נְעוּרֶ֗י/ךָ1×
- נְעוּרֶ֖י/ךָ1×
- נְעוּרֶ֑י/הָ1×
- נְעוּרִ֛ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 71:5
For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh, my confidence from my youth.
This verse highlights the word by describing a lifelong confidence in God that began specifically during the psalmist's early years.
-
Jeremiah 2:2
“Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Yahweh says, “I remember for you the kindness of your youth, your love as a bride, how you went after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
Here the term metaphorically describes Israel’s initial, passionate devotion to God as a bride, contrasting it with later unfaithfulness.
-
Psalms 103:5
who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The word appears in a promise of physical and spiritual renewal, comparing the revitalization of youth to the strength of an eagle.
-
Genesis 8:21
Yahweh smelled the pleasant aroma. Yahweh said in his heart, “I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake because the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. I will never again strike every living thing, as I have done.
This occurrence notes that human inclination toward evil is present from youth, underscoring the need for divine grace throughout life.