Lexical Summary thugatrion: Little daughter, young girl Original Word: θυγάτριον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance young daughter. From thugater; a daughterling -- little (young) daughter. see GREEK thugater NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindim. from thugatér Definition a little daughter NASB Translation little daughter (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2365: θυγάτριονθυγάτριον, θυγατριου, τό, a little daughter: Mark 5:23; Mark 7:25. (Strattis Incert. 5; Menander, Athen., Plutarch, reg. et imper. Apophtheg., p. 179 e. (Alex. 6); others.) Topical Lexicon Root and Semantic Range The term denotes an endearing reference to a “little daughter,” highlighting tender affection within a family. It captures both the youth of the child and the intimate bond between parent and daughter, standing in contrast with the more formal or generic terms for “child” found elsewhere in the New Testament. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Mark 5:23 – Jairus implores Jesus: “My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live” (Berean Standard Bible). Contextual Insights • Both scenes occur in the Gospel of Mark and form part of a broader portrait of Jesus’ authority over sickness and demonic oppression. Theological Themes 1. Compassion of Christ: The use of the diminutive underscores Jesus’ readiness to respond to personal, heartfelt pleas (Mark 5:41; Mark 7:29). Historical and Cultural Background First-century Mediterranean society placed greater economic and societal emphasis on sons. A diminutive for “daughter” appearing in public requests before a rabbi would have sounded strikingly intimate to original hearers. Jairus risks reputation, and the Gentile woman crosses ethnic boundaries; each conveys that parental love overrides social conventions when confronted with Jesus’ reputed power. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Child-focused Ministry: The passages challenge congregations to extend deliberate care to children, reflecting Jesus’ valuing of “little daughters.” Intertextual Connections • Old Testament echoes: The affectionate “daughter” language resonates with covenantal phrases such as “daughter of Zion” (Zechariah 9:9), revealing continuity in God’s parental posture toward His people. Summary Strong’s Greek 2365 illuminates more than vocabulary; it opens a window into the heart of two desperate parents and the compassionate Savior who honors their faith. By elevating the worth of a “little daughter,” the Gospel narratives proclaim the inclusive, restorative mission of Jesus Christ—an enduring model for disciples and churches today. Forms and Transliterations θυγατριον θυγάτριον θυγάτριόν thugatrion thygatrion thygátrion thygátriónLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 5:23 N-NNSGRK: ὅτι Τὸ θυγάτριόν μου ἐσχάτως NAS: saying, My little daughter is at the point of death; KJV: My little daughter lieth INT: the little daughter of me lies Mark 7:25 N-NNS |