עֶלֶם
properly, something kept out of sight, i.e. a lad
Definition
The Hebrew noun עֶלֶם (ʻelem) fundamentally refers to a 'young man' or 'lad,' specifically one in the transitional stage between boyhood and full manhood. Its core meaning, derived from a root signifying 'to hide' or 'to be concealed,' suggests a youth whose potential or identity is not yet fully revealed or mature. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes David when he is presented to King Saul (1 Samuel 17:56) and is used in a prearranged signal concerning Jonathan's young attendant (1 Samuel 20:22), consistently denoting a youthful male servant or warrior-in-training.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the narrative of 1 Samuel. It appears in contexts involving King Saul inquiring about the identity of the young warrior David (1 Samuel 17:56) and in Jonathan's secret communication plan with David regarding a young attendant (1 Samuel 20:22). The usage pattern shows it specifically refers to a youth in a subservient or messenger role, often in a military or royal court setting.
Etymology
עֶלֶם (ʻelem) is a masculine noun derived from the root עָלַם (ʻālam, H5956), meaning 'to hide, conceal, or be hidden.' This etymological connection implies a person whose full character or beard (a sign of maturity) is 'concealed' or not yet apparent. It is the masculine counterpart to עַלְמָה (ʻalmāh, H5959), which means 'young woman' or 'maiden,' sharing the same core idea of youthful vigor and hidden potential.
Semantic Range
While not a theologically heavy term, understanding עֶלֶם enriches the reading of key Davidic narratives. It highlights God's pattern of choosing and working through the seemingly insignificant and 'hidden' individuals, like the young, unassuming David, to accomplish His purposes (1 Samuel 16:7). The word subtly underscores themes of divine calling and the unexpected elevation of the humble.
In ancient Israelite culture, an ʻelem was a youth old enough for responsible tasks, often as an attendant, messenger, or beginning warrior, but not yet considered a full adult man. This life stage was marked by training and service. The term implies physical capability but a social status of dependence, differing from modern broad categories like 'teenager' by its specific association with apprenticeship and preparatory service.
נַעַר (naʻar, H5288) — a broader term for a boy, youth, or servant, of any age from infant to young man. יֶלֶד (yeled, H3206) — a child, often younger than an ʻelem, focusing more on the stage of childhood.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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