The term "stripling" is used to describe a young man or youth, often implying a sense of inexperience or immaturity. In the context of the Bible, the word is not frequently used in modern translations, but it captures the essence of youthful vigor and potential. The concept of a stripling is significant in several biblical narratives, where young individuals are called to fulfill God's purposes despite their age or perceived lack of experience.

Biblical References:

1. David and Goliath: One of the most notable examples of a stripling in the Bible is David, who is described as a young shepherd boy when he faces the giant Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David's youth is highlighted when King Saul expresses doubt about David's ability to fight Goliath, saying, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth" (1 Samuel 17:33). Despite his youth, David's faith in God and his courage lead to a miraculous victory, demonstrating that God often uses the young and seemingly inexperienced to accomplish His will.

2. Joseph: Another example is Joseph, who, as a young man, was sold into slavery by his brothers. Despite his youth, Joseph remained faithful to God and eventually rose to a position of great authority in Egypt. His account, found in Genesis 37-50, illustrates how God can use young individuals to bring about His plans, even in the face of adversity.

3. Timothy: In the New Testament, Timothy is a young leader in the early church. The Apostle Paul writes to him, encouraging him not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul advises, "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity" . Timothy's role as a young leader underscores the importance of spiritual maturity and integrity over physical age.

Theological Significance:

The concept of a stripling in the Bible serves as a reminder that God often chooses the young and seemingly inexperienced to fulfill His purposes. This theme is consistent with the biblical principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The accounts of young individuals like David, Joseph, and Timothy highlight the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God's power rather than human strength or experience.

Application for Believers:

Believers are encouraged to recognize the potential in young people and to support and nurture their spiritual growth. The examples of biblical striplings serve as an inspiration for young Christians to step out in faith and trust in God's calling, regardless of their age or the challenges they may face. Older believers are called to mentor and guide the younger generation, helping them to develop their gifts and fulfill their God-given purposes.(n.) A youth in the state of adolescence, or just passing from boyhood to manhood; a lad.5958. elem -- a young man
... young man, stripling. From alam; properly, something kept out of sight (compare
almah), ie A lad -- young man, stripling. see HEBREW alam. see HEBREW almah. ...
/hebrew/5958.htm - 6k

The Argument E Contrario.
... Therefore, if the fact that it is said "every man" makes it plain that the name
of man is common even to him who is not yet a man, a stripling male; (if ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter viii the argument e contrario.htm

The Shout of Faith
... When the giant saw the stripling who had come to fight him, he disdained him, and
said contemptuously: "Come to me, and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

The Shepherd-King
... sons; and at last, when expectation has been heightened by delay and by the minute
previous details, the future king is disclosed,"a stripling with his ruddy ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... The most complete spiritual loveliness may be obtained in the shortest time, and
the stripling may die a hundred years old, in character and grace.""History ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... I do not think that had Zacharias been a mere babe in grace, or an inexperienced
stripling, his unbelief would have met with so stern a rebuke. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

The Way of Life.
... What memories must have filled the old man's heart of those days when he was a
sunny-haired stripling, working with his brothers in the fishing boat, and ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxvii the way of.htm

Use what You Have.
... Yet the ruddy-faced stripling had something better yet along with his
sling and stones and skill. He had a simple trust in God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/use what you have.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... and mercy, but the night went before the day, being a most hopeless extravagant
boy: It was not enough to him, frequently when he was a young stripling to run ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ...
... by some tutor whom he fears, if he lives with sobriety and meekness, there is nothing
to admire, for all persons ascribe the sobriety of the stripling to his ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvii of the commissioners.htm

The victory of the King
... partially. He strides out to meet him in desperate duel, as Goliath did the
stripling whom he despised; and both hosts pause and gaze. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the victory of the king.htm

Stripling (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stripling (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:56 And the king
said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is. (KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
/s/stripling.htm - 6k

Lad (66 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. p) of to guide. 2. (n.) A boy; a youth; a stripling.
3. (n.) A companion; a comrade; a mate. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/l/lad.htm - 27k

Striping (1 Occurrence)

/s/striping.htm - 6k

Stripped (62 Occurrences)

/s/stripped.htm - 24k

Warfare (18 Occurrences)
... man, but there were occasions when the decision was left to single combat, as at
the battle of Elah between the giant Goliath and the stripling David (1 Samuel ...
/w/warfare.htm - 34k

War (529 Occurrences)
... man, but there were occasions when the decision was left to single combat, as at
the battle of Elah between the giant Goliath and the stripling David (1 Samuel ...
/w/war.htm - 64k

Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... 25:27), this journey of 500 or 600 miles, with no one to guide, counsel or defend,
was as new an experience as if he had really been the stripling that he is ...
/j/jacob.htm - 77k

Stripling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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