צְעִירָה (tse.i.rah)
tse.i.rah
youth
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun tse’irah denotes youth or young age, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Genesis 37:2. In this context, it describes Joseph’s status as a young man while serving his older brothers. The term highlights his relative immaturity and lower social standing within the family hierarchy, contrasting him with the elder sons who held more authority.
Its root relates to being small or young, distinguishing it from words for adult strength or old age. Translators typically render it as "youth" or "young man," capturing both his physical stage of life and his subordinate position in the narrative. This single usage underscores how familial dynamics were shaped by age and seniority in ancient Israelite society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37:2, where he is described as a tse’irah, a youth or young man. This word marks him not just by age, but by his position within the family. He was the youngest son of Rachel, serving his older brothers while still a boy. This detail highlights the tension between his innocence and the harsh realities of sibling rivalry.
Understanding this term helps us see Joseph’s vulnerability. He was not yet an established leader, yet he carried dreams that would define his future. His youth made him susceptible to jealousy from his elders, but it also preserved a purity in his character. This stage of life is often one of learning and preparation for greater responsibilities.
For us, this reminds us that God’s plans often unfold during our seasons of growth. We may feel small or overlooked, like Joseph among his brothers. Yet, these years are not wasted. They are shaping us for the purpose God has in mind. Trusting Him through these formative times brings peace and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- according to/ youth/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּ/צְעִרָת֑/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 43:33
They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men marveled with one another.
This verse mirrors the family dynamic from Joseph's youth, showing how age hierarchy remained significant even years later when his brothers stood before him in Egypt.