Na'arah is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "young woman" or "maiden." The word is derived from the Hebrew root "na'ar," which means "to shake off" or "to grow up," indicating a stage of life characterized by youth and vitality. In the biblical context, a na'arah is typically a young woman of marriageable age, yet unmarried, and is often associated with purity and innocence.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 24:14 · In the account of Isaac's marriage, Abraham's servant prays for guidance in finding a wife for Isaac. He asks God for a sign involving a na'arah: "Now may it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac." This passage highlights the na'arah's role in the narrative as a symbol of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises.

2. Exodus 2:8 · The term is used in the account of Moses' infancy. When Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses in the basket among the reeds, his sister Miriam, described as a na'arah, offers to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child: "‘Go ahead,’ Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother." Here, the na'arah is depicted as resourceful and quick-thinking, playing a crucial role in the preservation of Moses, who would later become a central figure in Israel's history.

3. Deuteronomy 22:15 · The term appears in the context of laws concerning marriage and sexual conduct. The passage discusses the defense of a na'arah's honor: "Then the young woman’s father and mother shall bring the proof of her virginity to the city elders at the gate." This reflects the cultural importance placed on the na'arah's purity and the protection of her reputation within the community.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In ancient Israelite society, the na'arah held a significant position, often representing the ideal of purity and potential. The status of a na'arah was closely linked to her family, and her transition from na'arah to wife was a pivotal moment, often involving complex social and legal arrangements. Theologically, the na'arah can be seen as a metaphor for Israel itself, a nation called to purity and faithfulness to God.

The portrayal of na'arot (plural of na'arah) in the Bible often emphasizes their active roles in God's unfolding plan. Whether through acts of kindness, courage, or faith, these young women are depicted as integral to the narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His people. Their accounts serve as reminders of God's providence and the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the lives of His followers.5292. Naarah -- an Israelite woman, also a place on the border of ...
... Naarah, Naarath. The same as na'arah; Naarah, the name of an Israelitess, and of
a place in Palestine -- Naarah, Naarath. see HEBREW na'arah. 5291, 5292. ...
/hebrew/5292.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxiv
... original has: "he spoke upon the heart of the girl." For "girl" the common gender
form na'ar is regularly used in the Pentateuch, always pointed na'arah by the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Na'arah (3 Occurrences)
Na'arah. Naarah, Na'arah. Naarai . Multi-Version Concordance Na'arah (3
Occurrences). Joshua 16:7 It went down from Janoah to Ataroth ...
/n/na'arah.htm - 7k

Naarah (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAARAH (1). na'-a-ra (na`arah, "a girl"): One
of the two wives of Ashhur, father of Tekoa (1 Chronicles 4:5). NAARAH (2). ...
/n/naarah.htm - 8k

Maid (57 Occurrences)
... Thus, it translates several Hebrew words: (1) The more generic word is na`arah,
"girl," feminine form of the common na`ar, "boy" (1 Samuel 9:11 2 Kings 5:2, 4 ...
/m/maid.htm - 27k

Maiden (40 Occurrences)
... Thus, it translates several Hebrew words: (1) The more generic word is na`arah,
"girl," feminine form of the common na`ar, "boy" (1 Samuel 9:11 2 Kings 5:2, 4 ...
/m/maiden.htm - 24k

Naarai (1 Occurrence)

/n/naarai.htm - 7k

Virginity (12 Occurrences)
... father's house," and hence "a virgin." Bethulah seems to have been the technical
term for "virgin," as appears from such a combination as na`arah bhethulah, "a ...
/v/virginity.htm - 15k

Samaritan (8 Occurrences)
... noted that these pentateuchal forms do not occur in the Prophets; even in Joshua
2:15 we have the feminine 3rd personal pronoun; in Judges 19:3 we have na`arah...
/s/samaritan.htm - 42k

Pentateuch
... noted that these pentateuchal forms do not occur in the Prophets; even in Joshua
2:15 we have the feminine 3rd personal pronoun; in Judges 19:3 we have na`arah...
/p/pentateuch.htm - 77k

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... father's house," and hence "a virgin." Bethulah seems to have been the technical
term for "virgin," as appears from such a combination as na`arah bhethulah, "a ...
/v/virgin.htm - 64k

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