Man-Child
TextsWhat is the meaning of Man-Child in the Bible?
The expression 'man-child' is a mistranslation of the Hebrew word 'na'ar', which denotes a male dependent or youth of varying ages, frequently appearing in narratives of familial violence and displacement in 1 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 2 Kings.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Accurate translation of 'na'ar' clarifies the age dynamics and power structures within biblical narratives, revealing how texts depict the vulnerability of youths and the specific nature of threats posed to family lineages during periods of conflict.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Man-Child functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Man-Child in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Man-Child clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Man-Child." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/manchild/