Na'ar

This Hebrew word is usually translated 'little child' in English. The English word, however, does not quite capture what is implied in a na'ar. Soon after ascending to the throne of Israel, e.g., Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, and there Yahweh appeared to him in a dream and offered him "whatever" he wanted. Solomon responded by saying that he was only a "little child" (na'ar) who does "not know how to carry out my duties," and asked for wisdom, instead of riches (1 Ki 3:7). But Solomon was already king and a married man at that!

Taken together the biblical evidences suggest that a na'ar is used usually to refer to a person beyond the age of being a child but not quite ready yet to assume the responsibilities of being an adult. Perhaps a more appropriate equivalent would be the way we use the word "lad," or "adolescent," someone not quite there as an adult but definitely no child either. So faced with the prospects of the heavy responsibilities appointed to them, Solomon and Jeremiah (Jer 1:3) responded by claiming being still only a na'ar.