Lexical Summary shacharuth: Dawn, morning light Original Word: שַׁחֲרוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance youth From shachar; a dawning, i.e. (figuratively) juvenescence -- youth. see HEBREW shachar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shachar Definition blackness NASB Translation prime of life (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁחֲרוּת noun feminine according to DEComm. RüetschiKau blackness, namely, of hair (so ᵑ7), i.e. (RV) prime of life (which Wild allows); usually dawn of youth (II. שׁחר); — Ecclesiastes 11:10 (+ יַלְדוּת). Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Literary Setting שַׁחֲרוּת appears a single time in the Old Testament, anchoring Ecclesiastes 11:10 within the closing counsel of the Preacher. Its placement just before the well-known call to “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) illuminates the book’s climactic exhortation: use the transient season of youthful strength wisely, because both vigor and life itself quickly pass. Imagery and Nuance The term evokes the dark luster of un-grayed hair and, by extension, the prime of physical vitality. In Israelite culture black hair marked the beginning of adult ability—old enough for labor and military duty (compare Deuteronomy 20:5–8; Numbers 1:3) yet not touched by the silver of age that commands special honor (Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 16:31). The vocabulary therefore carries a dual resonance: the dawn-like promise of life’s morning and the poignant reminder that even this most vigorous phase is but a breath. Wisdom Theology Ecclesiastes habitually contrasts the fleeting with the eternal. By coupling שַׁחֲרוּת with “childhood” and then declaring both “vanity” or “fleeting”, the writer underscores two wisdom principles: 1. Earthly seasons are finite; to ground identity or hope in them alone invites frustration. Thus, the text neither despises youth nor glorifies it; instead, it relativizes youth beneath the fear of the Lord. Cultural and Historical Insight Ancient Near Eastern literature often celebrated youthful prowess—heroes, soldiers, and athletes whose black hair symbolized readiness for battle or work. Ecclesiastes stands out by tempering that admiration with sober realism. The Preacher’s audience, likely prosperous citizens of the united monarchy’s later period or post-exilic Judeans, would have recognized the allure of pleasure and ambition that attended youthful freedom. The inspired evaluation: such allure must be matched by moral vigilance—“banish sorrow…cast off pain…for youth and vigor are fleeting” (Ecclesiastes 11:10). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Discipleship of emerging adults: Teach stewardship of time and talent under the Lordship of Christ before patterns of folly harden (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 2:22). Redemptive Trajectory In Jesus Christ the transience of שַׁחֲרוּת is both honored and surpassed. The Gospels trace His growth “in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52), yet His resurrection inaugurates a life that can never fade. For those united to Him, the vigor once confined to a fleeting season becomes an everlasting inheritance (1 Peter 1:3–4), fulfilling the deepest longing hinted at by Ecclesiastes. Summary שַׁחֲרוּת spotlights the strength and promise of youth while exposing its brevity. Scripture harnesses this reality to drive hearts toward joyful obedience, guiding every generation to invest the dawn of life—and every hour that follows—in reverent fear of God and anticipation of eternity. Forms and Transliterations וְהַֽשַּׁחֲר֖וּת והשחרות vehashshachaRut wə·haš·ša·ḥă·rūṯ wəhaššaḥărūṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ecclesiastes 11:10 HEB: כִּֽי־ הַיַּלְד֥וּת וְהַֽשַּׁחֲר֖וּת הָֽבֶל׃ NAS: childhood and the prime of life are fleeting. KJV: for childhood and youth [are] vanity. INT: because childhood and the prime are fleeting 1 Occurrence |
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