Lady
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Lady in the Bible?
The English word 'lady' translates several distinct Hebrew and Greek terms, including 'ishshah' (woman/mistress), 'na'arah' (young woman), 'bat' (daughter/princess), and 'kyria' (mistress/lady), reflecting varied social statuses and relational dynamics in biblical texts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific original term behind 'lady' clarifies the precise social rank, marital status, or authority of the female figure, preventing anachronistic assumptions about modern gender roles in ancient narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Lady. 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 Lady in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lady 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
"Lady." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lady/