apparently a primary word (compare "daughter"); a female child, or (by Hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant):--daughter.
Transliteration:thygátēr
Pronunciation:thoo-gat'-air
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun θυγάτηρ (thygátēr, `{{G2364}}`) primarily denotes a "female child," a literal daughter. Its semantic range, however, extends beyond this basic meaning, often influenced by Hebraic usage. In a broader sense, it can refer to a "female descendant" or, collectively, to the "female inhabitants" of a particular place or city. This latter usage is a direct reflection of the Hebrew term בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`), which similarly functions to denote both a biological daughter and the collective populace (e.g., "daughter of Zion"). Thus, while its core meaning is straightforward, θυγάτηρ can encompass a spectrum from individual female offspring to a symbolic representation of a community, often highlighting its characteristics or fate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θυγάτηρ appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications.
1. **Literal Daughter:** Most commonly, it refers to a biological female child. A poignant example is found in the accounts of Jairus' daughter, where Jesus' compassion and power are highlighted in raising her from death (e.g., [[Mark 5:35-43]], [[Luke 8:49-56]]). Similarly, the Syrophoenician woman pleads with Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter (e.g., [[Matthew 15:21-28]], [[Mark 7:24-30]]), demonstrating a mother's fervent faith and Jesus' expansive ministry. The woman with the flow of blood is also addressed by Jesus as "Daughter" (θύγατερ, vocative form) in [[Mark 5:34]] and [[Luke 8:48]], signifying a tender, compassionate recognition of her faith and healing.
2. **Collective/Figurative Use (Hebraism):** Reflecting its Old Testament antecedent, θυγάτηρ is used to denote the inhabitants of a city or region. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem includes the phrase "Daughters of Jerusalem" (θυγατέρες Ἱερουσαλήμ) in [[Luke 23:28]], addressing the women of the city who mourn His crucifixion. This usage carries a sense of collective identity and often, in prophetic contexts, lament or judgment.
3. **Spiritual Kinship:** While less direct than "sons of God," the concept of spiritual daughters is present. For instance, [[2 Corinthians 6:18]], quoting from the Old Testament, speaks of God saying, "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me." This extends the biological familial term into the realm of spiritual adoption and covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the inclusion of all believers, male and female, in God's family.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of θυγάτηρ is enriched by considering its relationship to other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Family Terms:** It stands in direct relation to υἱός (huios, `{{G5207}}`, "son"), forming the fundamental male/female offspring pair. Other related terms include πατήρ (patēr, `{{G3962}}`, "father"), μήτηρ (mētēr, `{{G3384}}`, "mother"), and τέκνον (teknon, `{{G5043}}`, "child" or "offspring," often gender-neutral). The familial context is paramount to understanding its primary meaning.
* **Old Testament Counterpart:** The Hebrew word בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`) is the direct semantic equivalent in the Old Testament, and the Septuagint frequently translates בַּת with θυγάτηρ. This strong correlation explains the "Hebraism" noted in the definition, particularly the collective usage (e.g., "daughter of Zion," "daughters of a city").
* **Community and Identity:** When used in its collective sense (e.g., "daughters of Jerusalem"), θυγάτηρ connects to concepts of communal identity, lamentation, and the fate of a people or city. This usage often overlaps with terms like πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`, "city") or λαός (laos, `{{G2992}}`, "people").
* **Divine Adoption:** The spiritual application of "daughter" relates to the broader New Testament concept of divine adoption, where believers become children of God through faith in Christ. This concept is often articulated through the imagery of sonship, but implicitly includes daughtership, as seen in passages like [[Galatians 3:26-28]], where distinctions of gender are transcended in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The term θυγάτηρ carries significant theological weight, underscoring several key biblical themes:
1. **Compassion and Healing in Christ:** Jesus' interactions with literal "daughters" (Jairus' daughter, the Syrophoenician woman's daughter, the woman with the flow of blood) profoundly illustrate His divine compassion, power over sickness and death, and His inclusive ministry that extends to women and girls. These narratives highlight the value and dignity Jesus ascribed to all individuals, irrespective of their social standing or physical condition.
2. **Spiritual Family and Adoption:** The extension of "daughter" into a spiritual sense emphasizes the believer's new identity as a child of God. Through Christ, individuals are brought into a familial relationship with the Creator, enjoying the benefits and responsibilities of divine adoption. This underscores God's desire for intimate, personal relationship with humanity.
3. **Prophetic Lament and Identity:** The collective use of "daughters" (e.g., "daughters of Jerusalem") serves as a powerful metaphor for a people or city, often in a state of lament, judgment, or suffering. This usage connects the specific term to broader Old Testament prophetic traditions and their fulfillment in the New Testament, reminding believers of the consequences of disobedience and the call to repentance.
4. **Inclusivity of the Gospel:** The presence of "daughters" in both literal and spiritual contexts within the New Testament affirms the full inclusion of women in God's redemptive plan and in the community of faith. The Gospel message is for all people, without distinction of gender, and women are active participants and recipients of God's grace and blessings.
### Summary
The Greek word θυγάτηρ (thygátēr, `{{G2364}}`) fundamentally means "daughter," referring to a female child. However, its semantic range is broadened by its strong connection to the Hebrew word בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`), allowing it to encompass female descendants or, more broadly, the collective female inhabitants of a city or region. In the New Testament, its occurrences highlight Jesus' profound compassion and healing ministry towards women and girls, affirming their inherent dignity and worth. Furthermore, θυγάτηρ contributes to the rich biblical tapestry of familial language used to describe God's relationship with His people, extending to concepts of spiritual adoption and the inclusivity of the Gospel. Whether denoting a literal family member, a collective identity, or a spiritual relationship, θυγάτηρ consistently points to the intricate and compassionate ways God interacts with humanity.
TRV