Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, young women, often referred to as "maids" or "maidens," hold a significant place within the narrative of Scripture. The term "maid" is used to describe young, unmarried women who are often depicted in various roles and circumstances throughout the Bible. These young women are frequently portrayed in ways that highlight their purity, innocence, and potential for future roles as wives and mothers.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "maid" is "na'arah," which denotes a young woman of marriageable age. One of the most notable references is found in the account of Rebekah, who is described as a "young woman" when she is chosen to be Isaac's wife (Genesis 24:16). Rebekah's account emphasizes the virtues of hospitality, kindness, and obedience, qualities that were highly valued in young women of that time. Another significant mention is in the account of Esther, a young Jewish maiden who becomes queen and plays a crucial role in the deliverance of her people (Esther 2:7). Esther's narrative highlights the courage and wisdom that young women can possess, even in challenging circumstances. New Testament References In the New Testament, the Greek term "parthenos" is often used to describe a virgin or young maiden. One of the most prominent figures is Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is described as a "virgin" when she receives the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth (Luke 1:27). Mary's faith and submission to God's will serve as a model of piety and devotion for young women. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 also uses the imagery of young maidens to convey spiritual truths about readiness and vigilance in anticipation of the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. This parable underscores the importance of spiritual preparedness and wisdom. Cultural and Social Context In biblical times, young women were often under the authority of their fathers or male guardians until marriage. Their roles were primarily domestic, focusing on preparing for future responsibilities as wives and mothers. The cultural expectation was for young women to maintain their purity and to be prepared for marriage, which was considered a significant milestone in their lives. The biblical portrayal of young women as "maids" reflects the values and social structures of ancient Israelite and early Christian societies. These narratives often emphasize virtues such as modesty, obedience, and faithfulness, which were esteemed in young women. Spiritual Significance From a spiritual perspective, the depiction of young women as "maids" in the Bible serves as a metaphor for purity and devotion to God. The emphasis on virginity and moral integrity in these narratives points to a broader theological theme of spiritual purity and the believer's relationship with God. In summary, the biblical portrayal of young women as "maids" encompasses a range of roles and attributes, from the virtuous and obedient Rebekah to the courageous and wise Esther, and the faithful and devout Mary. These narratives provide insight into the cultural and spiritual values associated with young women in the biblical tradition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 2:8And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 8:51,52 Library How Rebekah Became the Wife of Isaac 1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ... The Story of Rebekah. The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii. Letter cxxviii. To Gaudentius. Of Miracles which were Wrought that the World Might Believe in ... Other Self-Asserting Augustae --Verina, Ariadne, Sophia, Martina ... The Boy Hugh On Daniel. vi. On Susannah. Resources Is it wrong for a Christian girl/woman to be a tomboy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the story of the woman with the issue of blood? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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