The term "damsel" in the Bible typically refers to a young woman or girl, often unmarried, and is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. The word is derived from the Hebrew and Greek terms that denote a young female, and it appears in several key passages, illustrating different aspects of life and society in biblical times.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "damsel" is "na'arah," which signifies a young woman of marriageable age. One notable mention is in the account of Rebekah, who is described as a damsel when she meets Abraham's servant at the well (Genesis 24:16): "Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again." This passage highlights the cultural importance of purity and readiness for marriage.

Another significant reference is found in the account of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, who is referred to as a damsel in the narrative of her encounter with Shechem (Genesis 34:3-4): "And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. So Shechem said to his father Hamor, 'Get me this girl as a wife.'" This account underscores the vulnerability and societal position of young women in ancient times.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Greek term "korasion" is used to describe a young girl or damsel. One of the most well-known instances is the account of Jairus' daughter, whom Jesus raises from the dead. In Mark 5:41-42 , it is written: "Taking her by the hand, He said to her, 'Talitha koum!' (which means, 'Little girl, I say to you, get up!'). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk around. She was twelve years old, and at once they were utterly astounded." This miracle demonstrates Jesus' compassion and authority over life and death.

Another mention is in the parable of the ten virgins, where the term "damsels" is used to describe the young women waiting for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). This parable emphasizes the importance of readiness and vigilance in the Christian life.

Cultural and Social Context

In biblical times, damsels were often seen as symbols of purity and potential, with their primary societal role being preparation for marriage and family life. The protection and provision for young women were significant concerns, as seen in various laws and narratives throughout the Scriptures. The status and treatment of damsels can also reflect broader themes of justice, mercy, and the value of individuals in the eyes of God.

Spiritual Significance

The use of the term "damsel" in the Bible often carries a deeper spiritual significance, illustrating themes of innocence, faith, and the transformative power of God's intervention. The accounts involving damsels frequently highlight God's care for the vulnerable and His ability to bring life and hope in seemingly hopeless situations.

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... "A pleasant morning to ye, my pretty damsels!" quoth he, offering his hand to the
first who came up, expecting to assist her to land; for, as they were dressed ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

A Favourite Song, or we Might Almost Call it a Ballad for Easter ...
... THE THREE MARIES. Es giengen dr?? frewl??n also fr?�. There went three damsels ere
break of day,. ... Alleluia. The damsels each to other made moan,. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/a favourite song or we.htm

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... Damsels not yet twenty years old, who have spent their whole time in inner chambers,
and in a delicate and effeminate mode of life, in inner chambers full of ...
/.../homily xiii ephesians iv 17-19.htm

The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia
... the holy threshold. Pulcheria and a chosen band of Christian damsels formed
a sort of religious community. Spiritual practices were ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/x the rival empressespulcheria and.htm

The Adventures of Saint Denis of France.
... blew the horn which hung at the iron gate; but instead of its being opened by a
burly porter, or by a steel-clad warrior, a troop of fair damsels appeared, who ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter five the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... A furious giant, whose unconquer'd power The Georgian monarch in subjection brings,
And keeps his daughters prisoners in his tower: Seven damsels fair this ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

How David Prevailed.
... When COURAGE is united to HUMILITY, the Philistine may get measured for his coffin
(leaving out the head), and the damsels of Israel have their timbrels tuned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxiv how david prevailed.htm

Psalm 68
... 25Before went singers, players next. on instruments took way; And them among the
damsels were. that did on timbrels play. ^26Within the congregations. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 68.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress of 1352
... them. And she told her father and mother that she wished to do like other
damsels of her own age, and enjoy this world as they did. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlvii the pilgrims progress.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564
... There was, on November 16, a panic in the unguarded palace: {208a} "the poor damsels
were left alone," while men hid in fear of nobody knew what, except a ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xv knox and queen.htm

Damsels (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Damsels (9 Occurrences). Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah
arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels ...
/d/damsels.htm - 9k

Damsel's (8 Occurrences)

/d/damsel's.htm - 9k

Damsel (43 Occurrences)

/d/damsel.htm - 20k

Weeds (14 Occurrences)
... Exodus 2:5 And a daughter of Pharaoh cometh down to bathe at the River, and her
damsels are walking by the side of the River, and she seeth the ark in the ...
/w/weeds.htm - 10k

Immanuel (3 Occurrences)
... wife. Psalm 68:25 English Versions of the Bible gives "damsels." Isaiah
predicts that a young bride shall conceive and bear a son. ...
/i/immanuel.htm - 16k

Timbrels (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Psalms 68:25 The singers went before, the players on instruments
followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. ...
/t/timbrels.htm - 9k

Embroidery (12 Occurrences)
... A damsel, two damsels to every man; To Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, A spoil
of dyed garments embroidered, Of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on ...
/e/embroidery.htm - 13k

Players (7 Occurrences)
... Psalms 68:25 The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after;
among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. (KJV BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/p/players.htm - 8k

Broidery (1 Occurrence)
... A damsel, two damsels to every man; to Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, a spoil
of dyed garments of embroidery, two dyed garments of broidery for the neck of ...
/b/broidery.htm - 6k

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