Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "younger" often refers to individuals who are younger in age or rank compared to others. The concept of the younger sibling or individual holds significant theological and narrative importance throughout the Scriptures, frequently illustrating themes of divine election, reversal of human expectations, and the unfolding of God's sovereign plans.
Old Testament Examples1.
Jacob and Esau: One of the most prominent examples of the younger being chosen over the elder is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Despite being the younger twin, Jacob was chosen by God to inherit the covenantal promises given to Abraham and Isaac.
Genesis 25:23 states, "The LORD said to her, 'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.'" This narrative underscores the theme of God's sovereign choice, which often defies human customs and expectations.
2.
Joseph: Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, was favored by his father over his older brothers, which led to jealousy and strife within the family. Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt and ultimately became a savior to his family during a time of famine. His account, found in
Genesis 37-50, highlights the providential role of the younger in God's redemptive plan.
3.
David: David, the youngest son of Jesse, was chosen by God to be king over Israel, despite his older brothers being more likely candidates by human standards. In
1 Samuel 16:11-12 , the LORD instructs Samuel to anoint David, saying, "Rise and anoint him, for he is the one." David's selection emphasizes God's ability to see beyond outward appearances and societal norms.
New Testament Context1.
The Prodigal Son: In the parable of the Prodigal Son (
Luke 15:11-32), Jesus tells the account of a younger son who squanders his inheritance but is welcomed back by his father with open arms. This parable illustrates themes of repentance, grace, and the joy of reconciliation, with the younger son representing those who return to God after straying.
2.
Timothy: Timothy, a young leader in the early church, was mentored by the Apostle Paul. Despite his youth, Timothy was entrusted with significant responsibilities. Paul encourages him in
1 Timothy 4:12 , "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 demonstrates the value and potential of younger individuals in ministry and leadership.
Theological ImplicationsThe recurring theme of the younger being chosen or favored in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unexpected ways in which He accomplishes His purposes. It challenges human assumptions about power, privilege, and worthiness, emphasizing that God's criteria often differ from worldly standards. The accounts of younger individuals in Scripture encourage believers to trust in God's wisdom and timing, recognizing that He often uses the least likely candidates to fulfill His divine will.
Greek
1640. elasson -- smaller, less... of the same as elachistos Definition smaller, less NASB Word Usage less (1), lesser
(1), poorer (1),
younger (1). less, under, worse,
younger.
...3501b. neos, neoteros -- young, new
... word Definition young, new NASB Word Usage new (10), new self (1), young men (2),
young women (1),younger (6),younger men (2), youngest (1). 3501a, 3501b....
4478. Rhachel -- Rachel, the wife of Jacob
... Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Rhachel Phonetic Spelling:
(hrakh-ale') Short Definition: Rachel Definition: Rachel,younger wife of...
2264. Herodes -- perhaps "son of a hero," Herod, the name of...
... Short Definition: Herod Definition: Herod; four persons are called by this name:
Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, Herod Agrippa, and Herod Agrippa theyounger....
3813. paidion -- a young child
... 3813 -- properly, a child under training; the form of 3816 ("child"). 3813 ("a little
child in training") implies a child (perhaps seven years old oryounger)....
4247. presbutis -- an aged woman
... 4247 -- properly, older woman, referring to the scriptural resposibility older women
(especially over 50) have to discipleyounger Christian women (used only...
3512. neoterikos -- youthful
... youthful. From the comparative of neos; appertaining toyounger persons, ie Juvenile --
youthful. see GREEK neos. (neoterikas) -- 1 Occurrence. 3511, 3512....
Strong's Hebrew
6810. tsair -- little, insignificant, young... little, insignificant, young. Transliteration: tsair Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-eer')
Short Definition:
younger.
... least, little one, small one,
younger,.
...6996a. qatan -- small, young, unimportant
... small, young, unimportant NASB Word Usage least (10), little (7), small (13), small
things (1), smaller (1), smallest (1), young (3),younger (9), youngest (3...
3117. yom -- day
... then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble, weather, (as) when,
(a, the, within a) while (that), X whole (+ age), (full) year(-ly), +younger....
6996b. qaton -- small, insignificant
... small, insignificant NASB Word Usage all* (2), brief (1), lesser (1), little (6),
minor (2), small (22), smallest one (1), young (1),younger (3), youngest (14...
6996. qatan -- small, young, unimportant
... kaw-tawn') Short Definition: least. least, lesser, little one, smallest,
one, quantity, thing,younger, Or qaton {kaw-tone'}; from...
Library
To MyYounger Brethren
To MyYounger Brethren. <. To MyYounger Brethren Handley CG Moule.
E-text prepared by Colin Bell, Thomas Strong, and...
The Death of Constantine theYounger.
... Book II. Chapter V."The Death of Constantine theYounger. Not long after
this the brother of the Emperor Constantius, Constantine...
Birth of Valentinian theYounger.
... Book IV. Chapter X."Birth of Valentinian theYounger. Soon after the
conclusion of this war, and under the same consulate, [589...
To Amphilochius theYounger. Ep. Ix.
... Division III. Miscellaneous Letters. Section 5. To Amphilochius theYounger.
Ep. IX. (Constantine and Constantius had granted exemption...
Scribner Illustrated Classics forYounger Readers
... THE NEW TESTAMENT Scribner Illustrated Classics forYounger Readers. * * * * *
Stories which have been loved by young readers for...
Letter Lxi (AD 1138) to Louis theYounger, King of the French.
... LETTER LXI (AD 1138) To Louis theYounger, King of the French. To Louis
theYounger, King of the French. He endeavours to defend...
Panegyric of the Emperor TheodosiusYounger.
... Book VII. Chapter XLII."Panegyric of the Emperor TheodosiusYounger. For these
reasons the emperor had the highest esteem for Proclus....
Death of Valentinian theYounger, Emperor in Rome, through...
... Book VII. Chapter XXII."Death of Valentinian theYounger, Emperor in Rome, through
Strangling. The Tyrant Eugenius. Prophecy of John, the Monk of Theba??s....
Concerning Valentinian theYounger and Gratian. Persecution under...
... Book VI. Chapter X."Concerning Valentinian theYounger and Gratian.
Persecution under Valens. The Homoousians, being oppressed...
To MyYounger Brethren
To MyYounger Brethren. <.... Title Page. TO MYYOUNGER BRETHREN Chapters
on Pastoral Life and Work. by. THE RIGHT REV. HANDLEY...
Thesaurus
Younger (39 Occurrences)...Younger (39 Occurrences).
... Luke 15:12 The
younger of them said to his father,'Father,
give me my share of your property.' He divided his livelihood between them.
...Older (43 Occurrences)
... Romans 9:12 It was said to her, The older will be the servant of theyounger.... 1 Peter
5:5 And in the same way, let theyounger men be ruled by the older ones....
Othniel (7 Occurrences)
... He was theyounger brother of Caleb (Judges 3:8, 9-11).... OTHNIEL. oth'-ni-el
(`othni'el): A hero in Israel, son of Kenaz, Caleb'syounger brother....
Birthright (10 Occurrences)
... firstborn became head of the family and thus succeeded to the charge of the family
property, becoming responsible for the maintenance of theyounger sons, the...
Elder (34 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Born before another; prior in years; senior; earlier; older; as, his elder
brother died in infancy; -- opposed toyounger, and now commonly applied to...
Rachel (42 Occurrences)
... Ewe, "the daughter", "the somewhat petulant, peevish, and self-willed though beautiful
younger daughter" of Laban, and one of Jacob's wives (Genesis 29:6, 28)....
Kenaz (11 Occurrences)
... (2.) Caleb'syounger brother, and father of Othniel (Joshua 15:17), whose family
was of importance in Israel down to the time of David (1 Chronicles 27:15)....
Michal (18 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Rivulet, or who as God?, theyounger of Saul's
two daughters by his wife Ahinoam (1 Samuel 14:49, 50)....
Primogeniture
... Genesis 48:13; Genesis 49:3). The feud between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:1-28:21)
grew out of the stealing of the firstborn's blessing by theyounger brother....
Benjamin (167 Occurrences)
... Son of my right hand. (1.) Theyounger son of Jacob by Rachel (Genesis 35:18).... Benjamin
was not muchyounger, and was himself the father of a family....
Resources
Who was Pliny the Younger? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the biblical patriarchs? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Esau in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgYounger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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