Girl
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Girl in the Bible?
The Hebrew word na'arah denotes a young woman of marriageable age in the Old Testament, appearing in narratives that highlight her social role within family structures and legal arrangements, such as the account of Dinah in Genesis 34.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific age and social implications of na'arah allows readers to accurately interpret the legal and cultural dynamics of ancient Israelite society, particularly regarding marriage customs, parental authority, and the vulnerability of young women in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Girl. 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 Girl in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Girl 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
"Girl." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/girl/