Damsel
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Damsel in the Bible?
A young, unmarried woman; a girl or maiden. The Revised Version translates paidiske as 'maid' or 'maidservant', while paidion is translated as 'child'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the precise age and marital status implied by terms like 'damsel' clarifies the social dynamics and narrative roles of female characters in biblical accounts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Damsel. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Damsel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Damsel clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Damsel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/damsel/