In the biblical context, the term "female-child" refers to a young girl or daughter. The Bible provides numerous references to female children, highlighting their roles, significance, and the cultural attitudes towards them in ancient Israelite society.

Old Testament References

1. Birth and Naming: The birth of a female child is mentioned in several instances, often in genealogical records. For example, Genesis 5:4 notes the birth of daughters to Adam and Eve. While the birth of sons is more frequently recorded, the inclusion of daughters in genealogies underscores their importance in family lineage.

2. Cultural Practices: In Leviticus 12:5, the law concerning purification after childbirth specifies different durations for a male and a female child, indicating distinct cultural practices and perceptions. "But if she gives birth to a daughter, the woman will be unclean for two weeks, as she is during her menstruation. Then she must continue in purification from her bleeding for sixty-six days."

3. Inheritance and Rights: Although sons were typically the primary heirs, daughters could inherit in the absence of male heirs, as seen in the case of Zelophehad’s daughters in Numbers 27:1-11. This passage highlights the legal rights of female children within Israelite society.

4. Protection and Care: The Bible emphasizes the protection and care of female children. Exodus 21:7-11 outlines laws regarding the treatment of female servants, ensuring their rights and protection within the household.

New Testament References

1. Jesus and Children: Jesus’ interactions with children, including female children, reflect His inclusive ministry. In Mark 5:41-42, Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead, demonstrating His compassion and power. "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 once they were overcome with astonishment."

2. Spiritual Equality: The New Testament emphasizes spiritual equality among all believers, regardless of gender. Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse underscores the equal value and spiritual status of female children in the Christian community.

Cultural and Theological Significance

In biblical times, female children were often seen within the context of their future roles as wives and mothers. However, the Bible also presents them as individuals with inherent worth and dignity. The narratives involving female children often highlight themes of protection, care, and divine intervention, reflecting God's concern for all His creation.

The biblical portrayal of female children serves as a reminder of the value and potential of every child, regardless of gender, within the family and the broader community of faith.3816. pais -- a child, boy, youth
... girl child Definition: (a) a male child, boy, (b) a male slave, servant; thus: a
servant of God, especially as a title of the Messiah, (c) a female child, girl ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3816.htm - 7k

2364. thugater -- daughter
... daughter. Apparently a primary word (compare "daughter"); a female child, or (by
Hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant) -- daughter. (thugater) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2364.htm - 6k

Concerning the Epileptic.
... centurion for his servant, and the nobleman for his son, and the ruler of the synagogue
for a daughter, and the Canaanitish woman for her female child who was ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/3 concerning the epileptic.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... picture. We cannot for a moment suppose, as Jerome and others do, that
the female child denotes a more degraded generation. For ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Female-child (1 Occurrence)
Female-child. Female, Female-child. Females . Multi-Version
Concordance Female-child (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 12:5 ...
/f/female-child.htm - 6k

Females (8 Occurrences)

/f/females.htm - 8k

Female (95 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:5 But if she bears a femalechild, then she shall be unclean two weeks,
as in her period; and she shall continue in the blood of purification sixty ...
/f/female.htm - 38k

Unwell (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:5 But if she gives birth to a femalechild, then she will be unclean
for two weeks, as when she is unwell; and she will not be completely clean ...
/u/unwell.htm - 7k

Girl (71 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A young person of either sex; a child. 2. (n.)
A femalechild, from birth to the age of puberty; a young maiden. ...
/g/girl.htm - 28k

Weeks (17 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:5 But if she bears a femalechild, then she shall be unclean two weeks,
as in her period; and she shall continue in the blood of purification sixty ...
/w/weeks.htm - 16k

Menstruation (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:5 But if she bears a femalechild, then she shall be unclean two weeks,
as in her period; and she shall continue in the blood of purification sixty ...
/m/menstruation.htm - 7k

Bleeding (9 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:5 But if she bears a femalechild, then she shall be unclean two weeks,
as in her period; and she shall continue in the blood of purification sixty ...
/b/bleeding.htm - 9k

Abuse (17 Occurrences)
... 11. (vt) Violation; rape; as, abuse of a femalechild. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ABUSE. a-buz': "To dishonor," "to make mock of," "to insult," etc. ...
/a/abuse.htm - 13k

Sixty-six (6 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:5 But if she bears a femalechild, then she shall be unclean two weeks,
as in her period; and she shall continue in the blood of purification sixty ...
/s/sixty-six.htm - 8k

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