עֶ֫לֶם (e.lem)
e.lem
youth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun `elem` refers simply to a young man, typically in the prime of his physical life but not yet an elderly patriarch. It denotes a stage of youth characterized by vigor and potential, distinct from both childhood and mature adulthood.
With only two occurrences in the entire Old Testament, the word carries significant narrative weight. In 1 Samuel 17:56, David identifies himself as `elem` when speaking to King Saul, highlighting his status as a young warrior rather than a seasoned general. This usage underscores the term’s focus on youthful energy and readiness for action.
Translators consistently render `elem` as "young man" or "youth," capturing its straightforward descriptive nature without adding emotional nuance. The word serves as a precise label for age and social standing, grounding biblical characters in their specific life stages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elem describes a young man in his prime, full of energy and potential. It marks a specific stage between childhood and mature adulthood, highlighting physical vigor and readiness for action. This term appears only twice in the Old Testament, making its usage in Scripture quite rare and significant.
In 1 Samuel 17:56, King Saul asks about the identity of the elem who defeated Goliath. David’s status as a youth underscores that God often uses those who seem inexperienced by worldly standards. Your current season of growth is not a hindrance but a unique opportunity for God to work through your fresh perspective and strength.
Whether you are navigating the challenges of early adulthood or mentoring younger believers, this word reminds us that age does not limit God’s calling. He values the heart and faithfulness of the young just as much as the wisdom of the old. Trust in His plan for your life at every stage.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to the/ young man1×
- [is] the/ youth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/עֶ֔לֶם1×
- הָ/עָֽלֶם\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 17:56
The king said, “Inquire whose son the young man is!”
This verse highlights David's identity as a young warrior, showing that Saul recognized his youth even while seeking to understand his background.
-
I Samuel 20:22
But if I say this to the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are beyond you,’ then go your way, for Yahweh has sent you away.
Here the term refers to Jonathan’s servant boy, illustrating its use for a young attendant in a royal context rather than just a peer of David.