Lexical Summary neaniskos: young man, young men Original Word: νεανίσκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance young man. From the same as neanias; a youth (under forty) -- young man. see GREEK neanias NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom neanias Definition a young man, a youth NASB Translation young man (7), young men (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3495: νεανίσκοςνεανίσκος, νεανίσκου, ὁ (from νέαν, see νεανίας; on the ending νεανίσκος, νεανισκη, which has diminutive force, as ἀνθρωπίσκος, βασιλίσκος, παιδίσκη, etc., cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii., p. 443), from Herodotus down; the Sept. chiefly for בָּחוּר and נַעַר; a young man, youth: Matthew 19:20, 22; Mark 14:51a; Mark 16:5; Luke 7:14; Acts 2:17; (and L T Tr WH in Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Usage The word translated “young man/men” appears eleven times, describing males in the prime of physical vigor and formative decision-making. These occurrences span narrative, prophetic citation, and apostolic exhortation, providing a composite portrait of youthful potential and responsibility in the unfolding plan of redemption. Gospel Narratives: Portraits of Promise and Peril Luke 7:14 presents the only resurrection of a male outside the Twelve: “Then He went up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. ‘Young man,’ He said, ‘I tell you, rise!’ ”. The Lord’s compassionate authority over death highlights the value He assigns to youthful life and foreshadows the universal resurrection hope. Matthew 19:20-22 depicts the “rich young man” whose zeal faltered before Christ’s demand of total surrender. His sorrowful departure warns that youthful advantages—wealth, health, moral earnestness—are insufficient apart from wholehearted discipleship. Mark 14:51-52 shows an anonymous young man fleeing Gethsemane, symbolizing the vulnerability of the flesh when discipleship is tested. By contrast, Mark 16:5 records “a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side,” announcing the Resurrection. Early tradition sees in this juxtaposition the transformation Christ effects: natural timidity is exchanged for bold witness through resurrection power. Acts: Ministry Roles in the Early Church Acts 2:17 cites Joel: “your young men will see visions,” affirming that the Spirit equally endows younger believers for revelatory ministry. Acts 5:6,10 shows young men carrying out the burial of Ananias and Sapphira, modeling practical service tempered by reverent fear. Paul’s nephew, called a “young man” in Acts 23:18,22, courageously exposes an assassination plot. His initiative demonstrates that youthful alertness and integrity can preserve the church’s mission. Johannine Exhortation: Spiritual Strength and Victory John addresses three spiritual age-groups; to the young men he twice declares, “you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14). Here youthful energy is linked to doctrinal grounding and moral triumph, indicating that victory over Satan is achieved through Scripture-saturated lives. Theological Themes 1. Vitality dedicated to Christ. Scripture depicts youth as a season of decisive orientation—toward self and possessions (Matthew 19) or toward obedience and witness (Acts 23; 1 John 2). Historical and Cultural Considerations In first-century Judaism and Greco-Roman society, a “young man” was commonly between adolescence and approximately forty. Military service, civic duties, and apprenticeships often began in this span, making the group strategic for societal influence. The New Testament’s engagement with this demographic reflects an intentional missionary focus: winning those positioned for long-term impact. Implications for Contemporary Ministry • Discipleship must challenge youthful self-reliance, calling for radical surrender like that demanded of the rich young ruler. Conclusion Across resurrection scenes, moral tests, Spirit-empowered ministry, and apostolic counsel, Strong’s Greek 3495 highlights God’s high expectations for young men. Their physical strength, when coupled with abiding truth and yielded hearts, becomes a potent instrument in the sovereign advance of the kingdom. Forms and Transliterations νεανία νεανίας Νεανισκε Νεανίσκε νεανισκοι νεανίσκοι νεανίσκοις νεανισκον νεανίσκον νεανισκος νεανίσκος νεανίσκου νεανίσκους νεανίσκω νεανίσκων Neaniske Neaníske neaniskoi neanískoi neaniskon neanískon neaniskos neanískosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 19:20 N-NMSGRK: αὐτῷ ὁ νεανίσκος Ταῦτα πάντα NAS: The young man said to Him, All KJV: The young man saith unto him, INT: to him the young man things All these Matthew 19:22 N-NMS Mark 14:51 N-NMS Mark 16:5 N-AMS Luke 7:14 N-VMS Acts 2:17 N-NMP Acts 5:10 N-NMP Acts 23:18 N-AMS Acts 23:22 N-AMS 1 John 2:13 N-VMP 1 John 2:14 N-VMP Strong's Greek 3495 |
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