In biblical times, the term "maiden" typically referred to a young, unmarried woman, often highlighting her purity and innocence. The concept of a maiden is woven throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing both literal and metaphorical purity and devotion.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew word often translated as "maiden" is "na'arah," which denotes a young woman of marriageable age. In the Old Testament, maidens are frequently mentioned in contexts that emphasize their roles within family and society. For instance, Rebekah is described as a maiden when she is chosen to be Isaac's wife (Genesis 24:16). Her purity and willingness to serve are highlighted when she offers water to Abraham's servant and his camels, demonstrating the virtues expected of a maiden.

In the poetic and wisdom literature, maidens are often depicted in allegorical terms. The Song of Solomon, a book celebrating love and marriage, frequently refers to maidens in the context of beauty and desire. Song of Solomon 1:3 states, "The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you!" Here, maidens symbolize those who are drawn to the virtues and allure of the beloved.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Greek term "parthenos" is used to describe a virgin or maiden. This term is notably applied to Mary, the mother of Jesus, underscoring her purity and the miraculous nature of the virgin birth. Luke 1:27 refers to Mary as "a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary."

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 uses maidens to illustrate spiritual readiness and vigilance. In this parable, ten maidens await the arrival of the bridegroom, but only five are prepared with enough oil for their lamps. This account serves as a metaphor for the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for Christ's return.

Symbolism and Themes

Maidens in the Bible often symbolize purity, readiness, and devotion. Their portrayal in Scripture underscores the value placed on these virtues within the biblical narrative. The emphasis on a maiden's purity is not merely about physical chastity but also about spiritual integrity and faithfulness to God.

In prophetic literature, Israel is sometimes personified as a maiden, reflecting the nation's relationship with God. Jeremiah 31:4 states, "Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing." Here, the imagery of a maiden signifies renewal and restoration, highlighting God's enduring covenant with His people.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israelite society, maidens were often under the protection and authority of their fathers until marriage. Their status and future were closely tied to family honor and social customs. The biblical portrayal of maidens reflects these cultural realities while also transcending them to convey deeper spiritual truths.

The role of maidens in biblical narratives often serves to illustrate broader theological themes, such as God's faithfulness, the call to holiness, and the anticipation of divine fulfillment. Through the lives and accounts of maidens, Scripture communicates enduring principles that resonate with believers across generations.

The Crime Committed by the Inhabitants of Gibeah against the Wife ...
... 112. The maiden's [735] father rejoiced and went to meet him, and the man
stayed with him three days, and they ate and rested. On ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xix the crime committed.htm

The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ...
... Justina was a young and beautiful maiden of Corinth, who was passionately
loved by a handsome pagan youth, Aglaides. Every effort ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ix the empress eudoxia from.htm

"He is the Head, and we be his Members. " "Therefore Our Father ...
... from life to death, into the deep [184] of this wretched world, and after that into
hell: God's Son fell with Adam, into the deep of the Maiden's womb, who was ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter li he is the.htm

The Riot at Philippi
... The quiet praying-place by the riverside, and the silencing of the maiden's shout
in the streets, were not exactly the signs of disturbers of civic tranquillity ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the riot at philippi.htm

Spiritual Resurrection
... The first was the young maiden, the daughter of Jairus, who, when she lay on her
bed dead, rose up to life at the single utterance of Christ, "Talitha cumi ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/spiritual resurrection.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... to travel by this tower, That for these maidens' sake will be so kind To try their
strength against the giant's power, Shall have a maiden's prayer, both day ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

The Master.
... In that maiden's breast Sorrow and loneliness sank darkly down, Though the
blanch'd lips breathed out no boisterous plaint Of common grief.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/x the master.htm

Song of Songs
... usually find what they bring; but the most fatal objection to it is that the text
in vi.12, on which the whole story turns"the maiden's surprise in the ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/song of songs.htm

The Sands of Dee
... she. 'Oh! is it weed, or fish, or floating hair" A tress of golden hair,
A drowned maiden's hair Above the nets at sea? Was never ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the sands of dee.htm

That Perfect Love Mingles Nothing with God: and Why. And that it ...
... For in the sin of Father Adam forsooth thy body and thy soul were damned; wherefore
God is come down into a Maiden's body and become man, and has given the ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxiii that perfect love.htm

Maiden's (2 Occurrences)
...Maiden's (2 Occurrences). Luke 1:27 to a maiden betrothed to a man of the name of
Joseph, a descendant of David. The maiden's name was Mary. (WEY). ...
/m/maiden's.htm - 7k

Maids (28 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he
speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to ...
/m/maids.htm - 14k

Maidens (40 Occurrences)
... the women. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Esther 2:9 The maiden pleased
him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave ...
/m/maidens.htm - 18k

Rebekah (31 Occurrences)
... Yet we note from the beginning the maiden's decision of character, which appears
in every line of the narrative, and prepares the reader to find in subsequent ...
/r/rebekah.htm - 21k

Descendant (32 Occurrences)
... (WEY NIV). Luke 1:27 to a maiden betrothed to a man of the name of Joseph, a
descendant of David. The maiden's name was Mary. (WEY NAS NIV). ...
/d/descendant.htm - 15k

Maiden (40 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A machine for washing linen. 5. (a.) of or pertaining to a maiden, or to
maidens; suitable to, or characteristic of, a virgin; as, maiden innocence. ...
/m/maiden.htm - 24k

Betrothed (19 Occurrences)
... (WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV). Luke 1:27 to a maiden betrothed to a man of the name
of Joseph, a descendant of David. The maiden's name was Mary. ...
/b/betrothed.htm - 12k

Treated (69 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:12 And when every maiden's turn came to go in to king Ahasuerus after that
she had been treated for twelve months, according to the manner of the ...
/t/treated.htm - 26k

Spices (64 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:12 And when every maiden's turn came to go in to king Ahasuerus after that
she had been treated for twelve months, according to the manner of the ...
/s/spices.htm - 32k

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