Lexical Summary neóterikos: youthful, young, immature Original Word: νεωτερικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance youthful. From the comparative of neos; appertaining to younger persons, i.e. Juvenile -- youthful. see GREEK neos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the cptv. of neos, Definition youthful NASB Translation youthful (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3512: νεωτερικόςνεωτερικός, νεωτερικη, νεωτερικον (νεώτερος, which see), peculiar to the age of youth, youthful: ἐπιθυμίαι, 2 Timothy 2:22. (3Macc. 4:8; Polybius 10, 24, 7; Josephus, Antiquities 16, 11, 8.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Theological EmphasisStrong’s Greek 3512 points to attitudes and behaviors characteristically associated with the season of youth—impulsive desires, untested confidence, and passions not yet tempered by maturity. Scripture does not denigrate youth itself; rather, it highlights the moral volatility that often attends it. The term thus becomes a call to vigilance, urging believers to submit even the vigor of youth to the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Biblical Context in 2 Timothy The single New Testament occurrence comes in Paul’s final letter to his protégé: “Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). Timothy, likely still a relatively young pastor, is told to abandon—not merely resist—such passions. Paul juxtaposes fleeing with pursuing; avoidance alone is insufficient unless it is paired with active pursuit of godly virtues in fellowship with likeminded believers. The verse sits within a broader call to ministerial purity (2 Timothy 2:14–26), connecting personal holiness to effective service. Historical Background Timothy ministered in Ephesus, a cosmopolitan city rife with sensuality, speculative philosophy, and combative rhetoric. In that setting, youthful impulses could be stirred by an environment that prized novelty and debate. Paul’s charge reflects both Jewish wisdom tradition, which warned youth against unchecked desire (Proverbs 5:1–5; Ecclesiastes 11:9), and early Christian consciousness that spiritual leaders must model self-control (Titus 1:7–8). Comparative Scriptural Themes 1 Timothy 4:12 provides a constructive balance: “Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” Scripture therefore distinguishes between the liability of immature passions and the potential of consecrated youthful energy. Other passages deepen the portrait: Together they trace a consistent biblical strategy: swift separation from temptation, coupled with active engagement in righteousness. Practical and Pastoral Applications 1. Personal Sanctification: Believers—especially those early in life or faith—must treat impulsive desires as dangers to be escaped, not negotiated. Implications for Discipleship and Church Leadership Churches should cultivate environments where youth receive both freedom to serve and accountability to grow. Teaching that integrates doctrinal depth with practical holiness equips the next generation to leverage their vigor for kingdom purposes. Timothy’s example affirms that God entrusts substantial ministry to the young when they submit their passions to Christ. Exhortations for Contemporary Ministry In cultures that celebrate impulsivity and instant gratification, Paul’s counsel remains timely. Leaders must model disciplined living, churches must foster intergenerational fellowship, and believers of every age must “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.” The Spirit still transforms restless youthful energy into enduring spiritual fruit when the church heeds the apostolic command to flee youthful passions and to follow hard after Christ. Forms and Transliterations νεωτερικας νεωτερικάς νεωτερικὰς neoterikas neoterikàs neōterikas neōterikàsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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