In biblical terminology, the term "damsel" is often used to refer to a young woman or girl, typically unmarried. The word appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, illustrating different aspects of life and society in ancient times. The term is derived from the Hebrew word "na'arah" and the Greek word "korasion," both of which denote a young female.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the term "damsel" is frequently used to describe young women in narratives and legal texts. For example, in Genesis 24:14, the servant of Abraham prays for guidance in finding a wife for Isaac, saying, "May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels too’—let her be the one You have chosen for Your servant Isaac." Here, the term "young woman" is synonymous with "damsel," indicating a girl of marriageable age.

In Deuteronomy 22:28-29, the law concerning a man who lies with a virgin who is not betrothed is outlined: "If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife, because he has violated her. He may not divorce her as long as he lives." This passage highlights the societal and legal implications of interactions involving a "damsel."

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the term "damsel" is used in several key narratives. One notable instance is found in Mark 5:41-42, where Jesus raises Jairus's daughter from the dead: "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 this they were completely astonished." The term "little girl" here is often translated as "damsel" in other versions, emphasizing her youth and innocence.

Another significant mention is in Acts 12:13-14, where a servant girl named Rhoda recognizes Peter's voice at the gate: "When he knocked at the outer gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, 'Peter is at the gate!'" Rhoda's role, though minor, illustrates the presence and participation of young women in the early Christian community.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The use of the term "damsel" in the Bible reflects the cultural norms and expectations of young women in ancient Israelite and early Christian societies. Damsels were often seen in the context of family and marriage, with their roles and actions frequently tied to the honor and reputation of their families. The biblical narratives involving damsels often highlight themes of purity, protection, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

From a theological perspective, the accounts involving damsels can be seen as illustrating God's care and concern for the vulnerable and the young. The raising of Jairus's daughter, for instance, demonstrates Jesus' power over death and His compassion for those in distress. Similarly, the laws concerning the treatment of young women in the Old Testament reflect a concern for justice and the protection of the innocent.

Overall, the term "damsel" in the Bible serves as a window into the lives of young women in biblical times, offering insights into their roles, challenges, and the divine care extended to them.

Whether Divination by Auguries, Omens, and by Like Observations of ...
... by divine providence for his instruction. In like manner Eliezer listened
to the damsel's words, having previously prayed to God. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether divination by auguries omens.htm

Matt. xxvi. 67, 68
... 3034]. "Now Peter sat in the court without; [3035] and a damsel came unto
him, saying, thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxv matt xxvi 67.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 6
... For how can it be other than worthy of the utmost condemnation that a damsel who
hath spent her life entirely at home and been schooled in modesty from ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 1 cor iv.htm

Rom. xiv. 1, 2
... "Who maketh God's menace an idle word? Saith, it no more means what it
proclaims Than a damsel's threat to her wanton bird? --For ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv rom xiv 1.htm

Damsel's (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Damsel's (8 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 22:15 Then
shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and ...
/d/damsel's.htm - 9k

Tarry (62 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:6 And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for
the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry ...
/t/tarry.htm - 25k

Damsels (9 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 ...
/d/damsels.htm - 9k

Comfort (130 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:5 And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the
morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son ...
/c/comfort.htm - 37k

Groweth (29 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:9 And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant,
his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the ...
/g/groweth.htm - 15k

Declineth (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:8 And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the
damsel's father said, Strengthen thy heart, I pray thee, and tarry ye until ...
/d/declineth.htm - 7k

Draweth (52 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:9 And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant,
his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the ...
/d/draweth.htm - 21k

Afternoon (9 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:8 And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and
the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. ...
/a/afternoon.htm - 9k

Damsel (43 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A young person, either male or female, of noble or gentle extraction;
as, Damsel Pepin; Damsel Richard, Prince of Wales. ...DAMSEL. ...
/d/damsel.htm - 20k

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