Bible Dictionary
BOY
A male child or youth, though the term can also describe a servant. In ancient Jewish family life the boy received early religious instruction and gradually assumed legal and social responsibilities.
Definition
A boy is a male child or youth, though the biblical terms may refer to a child of either sex and may also describe an adult servant. In ancient family life, boys held an important place and received increasing religious, vocational, and civic responsibilities.
Biblical Usage
The word is used of children and youths in several Gospel and prophetic passages, and of a servant in Matthew 8:6. In Jewish family life, religious instruction and observance developed progressively from childhood.
Historical Background
The supplied account describes Jewish instruction beginning in early childhood, with Scripture learned at five, the Mishna at ten, the whole law at thirteen, and trade training at twelve; full citizenship came at twenty.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(yeledh, "child," na`ar, "lad," "youth"; ho pais and he pais): Refers to a child of any age, and is sometimes used of either sex: Joe 3:3; Zec 8:5; Mt 17:18; Lu 2:43; 8:51,54 fem.; Lu 9:42. In the East the word applies also to an adult who is a servant (Mt 8:6 the Revised Version, margin). The boy occupied a place of special importance in the family life of all ancient people. In Syria the father even was called by the name of his son. He was known as the father of Joseph, or whatever the n ame might be. As is true among all oriental people, while the father had absolute control in his case as well as in the case of the rest of the household, yet the boy received a consideration and advantages not accorded to the daughter. In the Jewish family his religious life began at the fourth year. He was expected to learn the Scriptures at five, the Mishna at ten, and to fulfill the whole law at thirteen. At twelve years he was expected to learn a trade, and attained to something of independence at that age, though he did not come into full rights as a citizen until he was twenty. Among many nations there was special rejoicing at the birth of the boy, and sometimes a feast. One of the most ancient customs was the planting of a cedar tree on this occasion.</p><p>See CHILD; FAMILY; SON.</p><p>Jacob W. Kapp</p>