probably from the base of δαμάζω; a heifer (as tame):--heifer.
Transliteration:dámalis
Pronunciation:dam'-al-is
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G1151 (δάμαλις, *dámalis*) refers specifically to a "heifer," which is a young female bovine, typically before she has calved. The Strong's definition notes its probable derivation from the base of G1150 (δαμάζω, *damazō*), meaning "to tame" or "to subdue." This etymological connection suggests an animal that is either naturally docile or has been brought under control, making it suitable for human interaction, particularly in agricultural or sacrificial contexts. The semantic range of *dámalis* is quite narrow, focused exclusively on this specific type of young female cattle, often distinguished from older cows or bulls.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1151 (δάμαλις, *dámalis*) appears only once in the New Testament, within the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* [[Hebrews 9:13]]: "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh..."
In this singular occurrence, *dámalis* directly references the Old Testament ritual of the "red heifer" described in [[Numbers 19]]. The author of Hebrews cites this specific Old Covenant purification rite to illustrate a crucial theological point. The ashes of the red heifer, mixed with water, were used to purify individuals who had become ceremonially unclean through contact with a dead body. This ritual was not for the expiation of moral sin but for external, ceremonial defilement, restoring the defiled person to a state of ritual purity necessary for participation in the community and worship. The context in Hebrews 9 contrasts the limited efficacy of these animal sacrifices, which could only purify the "flesh," with the infinitely superior and truly cleansing power of Christ's blood, which purifies the "conscience."
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related concept to G1151 (δάμαλις) is its Old Testament counterpart, particularly the "red heifer" (H6510 *parah adummah*). This specific animal and its unique ritual are foundational to understanding the reference in Hebrews.
Other related Greek terms and concepts include:
* G1150 (δαμάζω, *damazō*): The verb "to tame" or "to subdue," which is the etymological root of *dámalis*, highlighting the nature of the animal.
* G5132 (τράγος, *tragos*): "Goat," another animal used in Old Testament sacrifices, often for sin offerings.
* G5022 (ταῦρος, *tauros*): "Bull," also used in various sacrifices.
* **Sacrifice:** The overarching theme of animal offerings for purification and atonement.
* **Purification/Cleansing:** The primary function of the red heifer ritual.
* **Defilement/Uncleanness:** The state from which the ritual sought to cleanse.
* **Ceremonial Law:** The body of Old Testament statutes governing ritual purity and worship.
* **Typology/Foreshadowing:** The concept that Old Testament persons, events, or rituals prefigure New Testament realities, especially Christ and His work.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1151 (δάμαλις) is entirely derived from its role in the red heifer ritual of [[Numbers 19]] and its interpretation in [[Hebrews 9]]. In Numbers, the sacrifice of the unblemished red heifer, never yoked, whose ashes were mixed with living water, constituted a unique and permanent provision for cleansing from the defilement of death. It was a ritual for ritual impurity, enabling the defiled to re-enter the holy community.
In Hebrews, the author masterfully employs this specific ritual as a powerful *type* or shadow pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The argument proceeds as follows:
1. If the external application of the ashes of a heifer and the blood of other animals could effect a ceremonial purification of the "flesh" ([[Hebrews 9:13]]), how much more efficacious is the blood of Christ?
2. Christ, through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself without blemish to God ([[Hebrews 9:14]]). This contrasts with the temporary, repeated sacrifices of imperfect animals.
3. Crucially, Christ's blood does not merely purify the "flesh" but cleanses the "conscience from dead works to serve the living God" ([[Hebrews 9:14]]). This highlights the qualitative difference: from external to internal, from temporary to eternal, from ceremonial to moral and spiritual.
Thus, the *dámalis* serves as a poignant reminder of the Old Covenant's limitations and its prophetic nature. It underscored the profound human need for cleansing from the defilement associated with death, foreshadowing the one perfect sacrifice that would truly overcome death's power and purify humanity at the deepest level of conscience, enabling true communion with God.
### Summary
The Greek word G1151 (δάμαλις, *dámalis*), meaning "heifer," appears singularly in the New Testament in [[Hebrews 9:13]]. This occurrence is a direct reference to the Old Testament "red heifer" ritual of [[Numbers 19]], a unique provision for ceremonial purification from the defilement of death. The author of Hebrews uses the limited efficacy of this Old Covenant practice, which could only purify the "flesh," to underscore the infinitely superior and complete cleansing power of Jesus Christ's blood. Christ's sacrifice, offered through the eternal Spirit, purifies not merely the outer person but the very "conscience from dead works," enabling genuine service to the living God. Therefore, the *dámalis* stands as a powerful typological symbol, pointing from the shadows of temporary ritual cleansing to the eternal and spiritual redemption accomplished by the perfect sacrifice of the Son of God.
TRV