Maid; Maiden
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Maid; Maiden in the Bible?
The English terms 'maid' and 'maiden' translate a range of Hebrew words including na'arah, 'almah, bethulah, 'amah, shiphchah, and doule, which distinguish between girls, young unmarried women, virgins, and female servants according to age, social standing, and marital status.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these lexical distinctions allows readers to accurately identify the specific social roles, age groups, and legal statuses of women in biblical narratives, thereby providing precise context for character interactions and the societal structures of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Maid; Maiden in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Maid; Maiden 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.