### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thygátēr**, represented by `{{G2364}}`, is a primary word for **daughter**. It appears 29 times across 28 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from a literal female child to a descendant or, by Hebraism, an inhabitant of a place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the scriptures, `{{G2364}}` is used to describe a range of relationships and identities. In its most direct sense, it refers to a literal female child, such as the Canaanite woman's **daughter** who was healed by Jesus [[Matthew 15:28]] or the ruler's **daughter** who was brought back to life [[Matthew 9:18]]. Figuratively, it denotes lineage and belonging, as when a woman is called a "daughter of Abraham" [[Luke 13:16]] or Elisabeth is identified as being from the "daughters of Aaron" [[Luke 1:5]]. The term also refers to the inhabitants of a city, as seen in the prophetic address to the "daughter of Sion" [[Matthew 21:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the familial and relational context of `{{G2364}}`:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (father): This word is the direct male counterpart, often appearing in passages that outline family structures and the potential for division caused by faith [[Matthew 10:35]].
* `{{G3384}}` **mḗtēr** (mother): As the immediate female parent, this term is frequently used in parallel with daughter to describe the mother-daughter relationship [[Luke 12:53]].
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): This word represents the male child. It is used alongside **daughter** to describe the complete picture of God's spiritual children, who will be His "sons and daughters" [[2 Corinthians 6:18]].
* `{{G3565}}` **nýmphē** (daughter in law): This term defines the relationship by marriage, used alongside **daughter** and mother to illustrate the comprehensive nature of family ties [[Luke 12:53]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2364}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of faith and identity.
* **Spiritual Kinship:** The term is elevated from a biological role to a spiritual one when God declares that believers will be His "sons and **daughters**," creating a new family in Him [[2 Corinthians 6:18]].
* **Covenant Identity:** Being a **daughter** can signify a connection to God's covenant people. This is seen when Jesus identifies a suffering woman as a "**daughter** of Abraham," affirming her place within the heritage of faith [[Luke 13:16]].
* **Prophetic Address:** The title is used to address groups of people in a prophetic context. The inhabitants of Jerusalem are called the "**Daughters** of Jerusalem" [[Luke 23:28]] and the "daughter of Sion" [[John 12:15]], tying them to scriptural fulfillment.
* **Cost of Discipleship:** Jesus uses the **daughter**-mother relationship to illustrate the profound divisions that faith can create, demanding a loyalty that surpasses even the closest family bonds [[Matthew 10:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2364}}` is a term rich with meaning beyond a simple family label. It defines a literal female child, a descendant within a covenant line, and the inhabitants of a city. Most importantly, it is used to articulate the intimate relationship between God and His people, whom He calls His own sons and **daughters**.
TRV