Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "virgin" is often used to describe a young woman who has not engaged in sexual relations. This designation carries significant cultural, religious, and symbolic meanings throughout the Scriptures. The concept of virginity is closely tied to purity, honor, and the fulfillment of divine purposes.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "bethulah" is commonly used to denote a virgin. One of the most notable references is found in Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies the birth of Immanuel: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel" . This prophecy is foundational in Christian theology, pointing to the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. The status of a virgin in ancient Israelite society was significant, often associated with a woman's eligibility for marriage. In Deuteronomy 22:13-21, laws concerning the proof of a woman's virginity at marriage are outlined, reflecting the cultural importance placed on this status. The preservation of virginity until marriage was seen as a matter of family honor and societal order. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "parthenos" is used to describe a virgin. The most prominent mention is in the account of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Luke 1:26-27, the angel Gabriel is sent to a virgin named Mary, betrothed to Joseph: "In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary" . This passage underscores the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy and highlights the divine nature of Jesus' conception. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the spiritual symbolism of virginity. Here, the virgins represent believers awaiting the return of Christ, emphasizing the virtues of readiness and faithfulness. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Virginity in the Bible often symbolizes spiritual purity and devotion. In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul expresses his desire to present the church as a pure virgin to Christ: "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ" . This metaphor highlights the call for believers to maintain spiritual fidelity and holiness. The Book of Revelation also uses the imagery of virgins to describe those who are faithful to Christ. Revelation 14:4 speaks of the 144,000 who "have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes" . This passage emphasizes the purity and dedication required of those who belong to Christ. Cultural and Theological Implications The concept of virginity in the Bible reflects broader cultural and theological themes. It underscores the value placed on sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. The virgin birth of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, affirming His divine nature and the miraculous intervention of God in human history. Throughout Scripture, the portrayal of virgins serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the anticipation of the ultimate union with Christ. The emphasis on virginity highlights the importance of living a life set apart for God's purposes, embodying both physical and spiritual purity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:16And the damsel was very fair to look on, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 1:4 Library The Wise and Foolish virgins The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary. Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ... Treatise ii. On the Dress of virgins. The Glory of Penitents and Pious People. The Bishop's Burthen Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Of the Union of Man's Will with God's in those Inspirations which ... The Time of the Evening. The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | 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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