יַלְדוּת

יַלְדוּת

boyhood (or girlhood)

Definition

The Hebrew noun יַלְדוּת (yaldûwth) refers to the period of childhood or youth, specifically the early stage of life from infancy through adolescence. It denotes the time of being a 'child' or 'youth,' encompassing both boyhood and girlhood. In its three biblical occurrences, it consistently describes this formative life stage, often in contrast to maturity or old age. For example, in Psalm 110:3, it poetically describes the vigor of youth ('the dew of your youth'), while in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, it is the time for joy but also moral responsibility before God.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only three times in the Old Testament, all in poetic or wisdom literature. It is used in Psalm 110:3, a royal psalm, to metaphorically describe the freshness and vitality of the king's followers. In Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, it appears twice in a reflective, instructional context, urging the young to enjoy their youth but remember God's judgment. The usage consistently frames youth as a distinct, transient phase of life with its own characteristics and spiritual implications.

Etymology

יַלְדוּת is an abstract noun derived from the root יֶלֶד (yeled, H3206), meaning 'child,' 'boy,' or 'youth.' The suffix -וּת (-uth) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition, so yaldûth literally means 'the state of being a child' or 'childhood.' It is related to the verb יָלַד (yalad, H3205), meaning 'to bear' or 'to bring forth,' connecting it fundamentally to the idea of birth and early life.

Semantic Range

This word enriches the biblical understanding of human development and God's engagement with each life stage. In Ecclesiastes, it highlights that youth is a God-given period for joy (Ecclesiastes 11:9) but also for cultivating reverence, as one is accountable to the Creator. The 'dew of your youth' in Psalm 110:3 may symbolize God-given freshness and vitality in service to the messianic king. Understanding yaldûth reminds readers that spiritual responsibility begins in youth, not adulthood. In ancient Israelite culture, childhood was a distinct but relatively short phase, with transition to adult roles and responsibilities occurring earlier than in many modern societies. The term yaldûth likely encompassed the period from infancy until marriage or taking on full adult work, a time of learning and preparation. The biblical exhortations in Ecclesiastes to remember one's Creator in youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1) reflect the cultural expectation that foundational faith and wisdom were to be established during this life stage. נַעַר (na'ar, H5288) — a more common term for a youth or young man, often implying service or adolescence, less abstract than yaldûth. בָּחוּר (bachur, H970) — emphasizes a young man in the prime of youth, often of marriageable age or strength. עֶלֶם (elem, H5958) — a poetic term for a young man, highlighting youthfulness or vigor.

Word Details