Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, virginity is often associated with purity, innocence, and a state of being untainted by sexual relations. The concept of virginity holds significant cultural and religious importance throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the context of marriage and moral conduct.The bewailing of virginity is notably illustrated in the account of Jephthah's daughter in the Book of Judges. Jephthah, a judge of Israel, made a vow to the Lord that if he were granted victory over the Ammonites, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of the doors of his house to meet him upon his return (Judges 11:30-31). Tragically, his only child, his daughter, was the first to greet him. Upon realizing the implications of his vow, Jephthah was deeply grieved. His daughter, understanding the gravity of the situation, requested permission to go to the mountains to bewail her virginity. Judges 11:37-38 records her words: "She also said to her father, 'Let me do this one thing: Let me wander for two months through the mountains with my friends and mourn my virginity.' 'Go,' he replied. And he sent her away for two months. So she left with her friends and mourned her virginity upon the mountains." The bewailing of her virginity signifies the loss of potential for marriage and motherhood, which were highly valued in ancient Israelite society. Her lamentation reflects the cultural and personal significance of virginity, as well as the sorrow associated with the unfulfilled expectations of womanhood. This narrative highlights the weight of vows made to God and the serious consequences they can entail. It also underscores the cultural context in which virginity was not only a personal attribute but a communal and familial concern, affecting the social standing and future prospects of women in biblical times. The account of Jephthah's daughter serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding vows, the value placed on virginity, and the deep emotional impact of its loss, as expressed through the act of bewailing. Nave's Topical Index Judges 11:37-39And she said to her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains, and mourn my virginity, I and my fellows. Nave's Topical Index Library Hail, Jesus; Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Is 'virgin' or 'young woman' the correct translation of Isaiah 7:14? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the Virgin Birth so important? | GotQuestions.org Can/should a Christian who is a virgin marry someone who is not a virgin? | GotQuestions.org Virgin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Virgin of the Body of Christ (The Ekklesia) Virgin: A Priest Could Marry Only A Virgin: Advised by Paul not to Marry Virgin: Betrothal of, a Quasi-Marriage Virgin: Character of, to be Protected Virgin: Distinguishing Apparel of Virgin: Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgin: Virginity of, Bewailed Related Terms |
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