Brief Overview of νεανίας (Strong’s G3494: neanías)

Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, understanding key words in their original language is crucial for deepening our comprehension of scriptural meaning. The Greek word νεανίας (neanías), occurring in Acts 7:58, is one such word, referring to a “young man” or “youth.” It is used in the context of Saul (later Paul) observing the stoning of Stephen, showing that neanías carries not only a general meaning related to age but also the weight of context, potentially highlighting certain societal roles or expectations for young men in ancient cultures. Understanding how neanías is used helps to unlock layers of meaning in New Testament narratives.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: νεανίας (neanías), pronounced neh-ah-NEE-as. This word appears in its nominative singular form in the Greek text.

Etymology: The word neanías is derived from the root νεανίσκος (neaniskos), meaning a “young man” or “youth.” The etymology suggests it is related to age and vitality, often used to describe young men in the prime of their life or service.

Part of Speech: Neanías is a noun, specifically masculine. As a noun, it functions in biblical passages to describe a young man, often in the prime of youth or in the context of early adulthood.

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Defining Meanings

1. Youth or Young Man: The primary meaning of neanías is a young man, typically understood to be in the age range of adolescence to early adulthood. In Acts 7:58, the word is used to describe Saul (later Paul), indicating that he was relatively young when he witnessed the stoning of Stephen.

2. Strength and Vigor: The term neanías can also connote strength and vitality, traits commonly associated with youth. This usage reflects ancient Greek culture’s idealization of the young man as a figure of physical prowess and potential leadership.

Exploring Similar Words

1. νεανίσκος (neaniskos) [pronunciation: neh-ah-NEES-kos]: This word is a diminutive form of neanías, also meaning “young man.” It tends to emphasize a slightly younger age or status than neanías, but the terms are often used interchangeably in the New Testament.

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2. παῖς (pais) [pronunciation: PAH-ees]: This word can also mean “young man” but has a broader range of meanings, including “child” or “servant,” depending on context. It is less specific to age compared to neanías.

3. ἄνηρ (anēr) [pronunciation: AH-nehr]: This word means “man” in general and often refers to an adult male. It contrasts with neanías, which specifically refers to youth or early adulthood.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Neanías is a masculine noun that can appear in various cases depending on its syntactical role. In Acts 7:58, it is in the nominative singular, indicating the subject of the sentence. In other contexts, it could appear in the genitive (to indicate possession), dative (to indicate indirect object), or accusative (to indicate direct object).

Declension: Neanías follows the first declension pattern in Greek, common to many masculine nouns that end in -ας in the nominative singular. Here is a declension table for neanías in the singular:

Case Singular

Nominative νεανίας

Genitive νεανίου

Dative νεανίᾳ

Accusative νεανίαν

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical insights show that neanías primarily denotes a young man, usually in early adulthood. In biblical contexts, it is used to describe individuals who are either active participants in events (as seen in Acts 7:58) or highlighted for their youth and potential. The word often carries the connotation of someone in a transitional phase of life, moving from adolescence into adulthood, with responsibilities but still marked by youthful energy and vigor. In classical Greek, it would refer similarly to young men of noble or active standing in society.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 7:58 – “And they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s [νεανίας] feet, whose name was Saul.”

2. Acts 20:9 – “And there sat in a window a certain young man [νεανίας] named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with νεανίας in parentheses

Plato Republic “The young men (νεανίας) are always ready for learning.”

Herodotus Histories “The young man (νεανίας) was chosen for his bravery.”

Septuagint 1 Maccabees “They appointed young men (νεανίας) to guard the city.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word neanías is used to describe a young man in the early stages of adulthood, often signifying physical strength, youth, and potential. In Acts 7:58, it highlights Saul’s youth at the time of Stephen’s stoning, adding depth to our understanding of Saul’s early involvement in persecution. The word also carries cultural significance, reflecting ancient Greek values surrounding youth, bravery, and service.

Did You Know?

1. In Greek culture, young men (νεανίας) were often seen as future leaders and warriors, representing the vitality of the city-state.

2. The term neanías is closely related to the Latin word juvenis, which also means a young man, indicating similar cultural values across the ancient Mediterranean.

3. Saul, later Paul, was referred to as neanías in Acts 7:58, showing that he was likely still in his early adulthood when he witnessed Stephen’s martyrdom.