Lexical Summary parthenia: Virginity Original Word: παρθενία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance virginity. From parthenos; maidenhood -- virginity. see GREEK parthenos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom parthenos Definition virginity NASB Translation marriage (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3932: παρθένιαπαρθένια, παρθενίας, ἡ (πυρθενος), virginity: Luke 2:36. (Jeremiah 3:4; Pindar, Aeschylus, Euripides, Diodorus, Plutarch, Herodian, others (cf. Field, Otium Norv. pars 3:at the passage).) Topical Lexicon Definition and ScopeStrong’s 3932 designates the state of maidenhood—virginity—as opposed to marital life. While the cognate adjective (parthenos) describes a person, this noun focuses on the condition itself, a season of life ordinarily preceding marriage. Scripture treats the state not merely in biological terms but as a sphere of covenant purity and undivided devotion to God. Biblical Usage The noun appears once in the New Testament, Luke 2:36, where Anna is said to have lived with her husband “seven years after her virginity” (literal rendering of the Greek phrase). The single occurrence is sufficient to establish: 1. Virginity as a recognized life-stage in first-century Israel. Cultural and Historical Background In Jewish society virginity was both familial honor and covenant obligation (Deuteronomy 22:13–21). The marriage contract presupposed a bride’s maidenhood; its loss outside wedlock brought social and legal consequences. Greco-Roman culture shared a similar valuation, though often for pragmatic rather than theological reasons. Luke’s audience—Jews and God-fearing Gentiles—would immediately understand the gravity carried by the term. The Example of Anna (Luke 2:36) Luke presents Anna as a prophetess who “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). Her biography is structured around three phases: • Virginity (parthenia) By anchoring her account in her maidenhood, the evangelist links early purity to later prophetic ministry. Anna’s steadfastness from parthenia to old age exemplifies continuity of holiness. When she speaks over the infant Messiah (Luke 2:38), her moral credibility, established in virginity, amplifies her witness. Virginity and Covenant Purity Throughout Scripture, chastity symbolizes exclusive loyalty to the Lord. Israel is warned against spiritual adultery (Jeremiah 3:1–9); the Church is presented “as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2). Physical virginity thus carries typological weight, pointing to wholehearted fidelity: • Numbers 30:3–5 shows vows sworn “in her youth, while still in her father’s house.” The father’s oversight presumes her maidenhood. Implications for Christian Discipleship 1. Purity as Worship: Parthenia is not merely negative abstention; it is positive consecration (Romans 12:1). Related Themes across Scripture • Nazarite Separation (Numbers 6) — voluntary abstention parallels the discipline of virginity. Ministry Applications • Teaching: Ground sexual ethics in redemptive history, not cultural preference. Summary Strong’s 3932 underscores virginity as a divinely esteemed state marking both personal history and spiritual potential. Luke assigns it narrative prominence in Anna’s life, thereby affirming that early purity can mature into prophetic impact. Whether maidenhood ends in marriage or lifelong singleness, Scripture treats it as a sphere for wholehearted devotion, prophetic witness, and anticipation of the ultimate marriage between Christ and His Church. Forms and Transliterations παρθενιας παρθενίας παρθενικά παρθενικόν parthenias partheníasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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