Lexical Summary bechurim or bechuroth: Young men / Youths Original Word: בְּחֻרוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance young men, youth Or bchuwrowth {bekh-oo-roth'}; feminine plural of bachuwr; also (masculine plural) bchuriym {bekh-oo-reem'}; youth (collectively and abstractly) -- young men, youth. see HEBREW bachuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originmasc. and fem. pl. of bachur Definition youth NASB Translation young manhood (1), youth (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [בְּחוּרִים] noun feminine abstract plural youth, plural suffix בְּחֻרָיו Numbers 11:28 (J; Onk ᵑ6 Ges De Di; בחיריו ᵐ5 ⅏ ᵑ9 Luth Ke); בְּחוּרוֺתֶיךָ Ecclesiastes 11:9, בְּחוּרֹתֶיךָ Ecclesiastes 12:1. Topical Lexicon Scope of the Term in Scripture The noun describes the season of youthful vigor, the span in which strength is at its height and character is being formed. Scripture employs the word not merely to note age but to frame decisive moments when devotion, discipline, and delight in God are either cultivated or squandered. Canonical Occurrences 1. Numbers 11:28 – Joshua is identified as one who had served Moses “from his youth,” highlighting a life-long pattern of faithfulness that began in formative years. Contextual Insights • In Numbers, the term is biographical, marking the starting point of Joshua’s apprenticeship under Moses. The narrative underscores that consecrated service begun early equips a leader for later battles (compare Joshua 1:1-9). Theological Themes 1. Stewardship of Strength – Scripture treats youthful energy as a stewardship entrusted by the Creator (Psalm 103:5; Isaiah 40:30-31). Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern societies prized the transition from childhood to adulthood, often marking it with communal roles in agriculture, warfare, or sanctuary service. Israelite culture shared this valuation but rooted it in covenant identity: youthful vigor was to be harnessed for Yahweh’s purposes, whether in tabernacle duties (1 Samuel 2:18), royal court (Daniel 1:4), or prophetic apprenticeship (Jeremiah 1:6-7). Pastoral and Practical Applications • Discipleship – Like Moses with Joshua, seasoned believers should invite younger saints into proximity and participation (Titus 2:1-8). Connection to the Gospel Jesus Christ entered history, lived, died, and rose again in the strength of accepted humanity’s prime (Luke 3:23). His perfect obedience through all seasons—including youth—redeems our misspent days and models Spirit-empowered maturity. Through union with Him, believers receive both forgiveness for youthful folly and power to “flee youthful passions” (2 Timothy 2:22) and to present themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Related Biblical Motifs Youth and strength – Proverbs 20:29; renewal like the eagle’s – Psalm 103:5 Early seeking – 1 Samuel 3:1-10; 2 Chronicles 34:3 Mentoring relationships – Elijah and Elisha; Paul and Timothy Together these passages and themes affirm that the days signified by בְּחֻרוֹת are a divine gift, a strategic season for joyful service, deliberate remembrance, and foundational discipleship unto lifelong faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations בְּחוּרֹתֶ֑יךָ בְחוּרוֹתֶ֔ךָ בחורותך בחורתיך מִבְּחֻרָ֖יו מבחריו bə·ḥū·rō·ṯe·ḵā ḇə·ḥū·rō·w·ṯe·ḵā bechuroTeicha bəḥūrōṯeḵā ḇəḥūrōwṯeḵā mib·bə·ḥu·rāw mibbechuRav mibbəḥurāw vechuroTechaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 11:28 HEB: מְשָׁרֵ֥ת מֹשֶׁ֛ה מִבְּחֻרָ֖יו וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אֲדֹנִ֥י NAS: of Moses from his youth, said, KJV: of Moses, [one] of his young men, answered INT: the attendant of Moses his youth said my lord Ecclesiastes 11:9 Ecclesiastes 12:1 3 Occurrences |
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