### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term θῆλυς (thēlys, `{{G2338}}`) is an adjective meaning "female." Its etymology traces back to the same root as θηλάζω (thēlazo, `{{G2337}}`), which means "to suckle" or "to nurse." This etymological connection strongly emphasizes the biological and reproductive aspect of the female sex, highlighting the capacity for bearing and nourishing offspring. Thus, θῆλυς primarily denotes biological gender, distinguishing one sex from the other within the created order. It is a precise term for the female biological identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θῆλυς appears four times in the New Testament, each instance offering significant theological insight:
1. **Creation Account:** In [[Matthew 19:4]] and [[Mark 10:6]], Jesus quotes from the Genesis creation narrative, stating, "He who created them from the beginning made them male and female (ἄρσην and θῆλυς)." Here, θῆλυς is paired with ἄρσην (`{{G730}}`, male) to underscore the foundational, divinely ordained binary of human gender at creation. This usage establishes the biological distinction as part of God's original design for humanity.
2. **Spiritual Equality in Christ:** [[Galatians 3:28]] declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female (ἄρσην and θῆλυς); for you are all one in Christ Jesus." In this profound statement, Paul uses θῆλυς alongside ἄρσην to illustrate the radical spiritual equality and unity that believers experience in Christ. This verse does not abolish biological distinctions, but rather asserts that such distinctions, along with social and ethnic ones, do not determine one's standing, worth, or access to salvation in the new covenant. It speaks to a spiritual reality that transcends earthly categories.
3. **Sexual Deviation:** In [[Romans 1:26-27]], Paul writes about the consequences of humanity's rejection of God, stating, "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their females (θῆλυς) exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females (θῆλυς) and were consumed with passion for one another." Here, θῆλυς is used to denote biological females engaging in sexual acts with other biological females, and likewise for males. The term highlights the departure from the "natural relations" (φυσικὴν χρῆσιν, physikēn chrēsin) established by the created order, emphasizing a rebellion against God's design for human sexuality.
### Related Words & Concepts
* θηλάζω (thēlazo, `{{G2337}}`): The verb "to suckle" or "to nurse," from which θῆλυς is derived, reinforcing the biological and procreative aspects of femaleness.
* ἄρσην (arsēn, `{{G730}}`): The direct antonym, meaning "male," invariably appearing alongside θῆλυς in contexts defining gender.
* γυνή (gynē, `{{G1135}}`): While γυνή means "woman" or "wife" and often refers to a female human, θῆλυς is more specific to the biological sex, whereas γυνή can encompass social roles or marital status. θῆλυς defines the biological category, γυνή often refers to the person within that category.
* **Creation:** The concept of God's intentional design of humanity in two distinct sexes.
* **Complementarity:** Implied by the consistent pairing of ἄρσην and θῆλυς, suggesting a designed relationship between the sexes.
* **Spiritual Unity:** The theological truth that biological distinctions do not hinder spiritual equality or access to God's grace.
* **Sexual Ethics:** The biblical understanding of appropriate sexual conduct rooted in the created order.
### Theological Significance
The term θῆλυς carries profound theological weight, primarily shaping our understanding of:
1. **Divine Design in Creation:** Its use in [[Matthew 19:4]] and [[Mark 10:6]] firmly establishes that the distinction between male and female is not a social construct but a fundamental aspect of God's original creation. This binary is foundational to the biblical understanding of humanity, marriage, and family.
2. **Redemptive Equality:** [[Galatians 3:28]] presents a transformative truth: while biological distinctions remain real, they are transcended in Christ regarding spiritual standing and access to salvation. The gospel unites believers into one body, where distinctions like "male and female" do not determine spiritual worth or privilege. This highlights the radical inclusivity of God's grace.
3. **Moral Framework for Sexuality:** The context of [[Romans 1:26-27]] uses θῆλυς to define the parameters of natural sexual relations as between male and female. The deviation from this created design is presented as a manifestation of humanity's rebellion against God, underscoring the biblical conviction that sexual ethics are rooted in God's creational order and reflect His will. The term thus serves as a crucial component in defining what is "natural" and "unnatural" in the biblical understanding of human sexuality.
### Summary
θῆλυς (`{{G2338}}`) is a precise Greek term denoting the biological female. Rooted in the concept of nursing and bearing, it highlights the inherent biological distinction established by God at creation. Its biblical occurrences are pivotal: it underscores the divine design of humanity as male and female from the beginning ([[Matthew 19:4]], [[Mark 10:6]]), proclaims the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ regardless of gender ([[Galatians 3:28]]), and serves as a key term in describing deviations from God's created order for human sexuality ([[Romans 1:26-27]]). Thus, θῆλυς is indispensable for understanding biblical anthropology, the nature of salvation, and the ethical framework for human relationships.
TRV