from θυγάτηρ; a daughterling:--little (young) daughter.
Transliteration:thygátrion
Pronunciation:thoo-gat'-ree-on
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term θυγάτριον (thygátrion, `{{G2365}}`) is a diminutive form derived from the more common word θυγάτηρ (thygátēr, `{{G2364}}`), meaning "daughter." As a diminutive, θυγάτριον translates to "a daughterling," "little daughter," or "young daughter." The suffix -ιον (ion) typically conveys a sense of smallness, youth, tenderness, or affection. It can also, in certain contexts, imply vulnerability, endearment, or even pity. Therefore, while literally denoting a young female offspring, θυγάτριον imbues the concept with a nuance of special care, fragility, or cherished status, distinguishing it from a mere factual statement of parentage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θυγάτριον (thygátrion, `{{G2365}}`) appears in the New Testament in two distinct contexts, each revealing the specific nuance conveyed by the diminutive:
1. **[[Mark 5:23]]**: "and pleaded earnestly with Him, saying, 'My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she may get well and live.'" Here, Jairus, a synagogue official, approaches Jesus with desperate urgency concerning his dying child. The phrase "θυγατρίον μου" (my little daughter) powerfully expresses his profound paternal love, anguish, and vulnerability. The diminutive emphasizes the child's tender age and fragility, heightening the tragedy of her impending death and underscoring the magnitude of Jesus's compassionate intervention and miraculous power. It is not merely a daughter, but a *little* daughter, whose youth makes her suffering particularly poignant.
2. **[[John 12:15]]**: "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." This verse is a direct quotation from [[Zechariah 9:9]]. While the Septuagint (LXX) for [[Zechariah 9:9]] uses θυγάτηρ (thygátēr, `{{G2364}}`), John's Gospel employs the diminutive θυγάτριον (thygátrion, `{{G2365}}`). The "daughter of Zion" is a personification of Jerusalem or the people of Israel. The use of the diminutive here is significant. It may convey a sense of tender reassurance from God to His people, emphasizing their cherished, though perhaps humble or vulnerable, status as they await their King. It could also subtly underscore the humble, non-military nature of the Messiah's arrival, riding on a donkey, not a warhorse, inviting Zion to set aside fear and embrace a different kind of sovereignty. The diminutive thus speaks to a relationship of intimate care and divine protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is θυγάτηρ (thygátēr, `{{G2364}}`), the root noun for "daughter." The diminutive θυγάτριον (thygátrion, `{{G2365}}`) intrinsically carries the semantic weight of its parent word while adding layers of nuance. Conceptually, θυγάτριον is linked to:
* **Parenthood and Filial Relationships**: It speaks directly to the bond between a parent and child, particularly highlighting the protective and affectionate aspects of that relationship.
* **Vulnerability and Dependence**: The "little" aspect often implies a state of needing care, protection, and provision, whether from human parents or from God.
* **Divine Compassion and Intervention**: In the context of the New Testament narratives, the presence of a "little daughter" often occasions divine acts of healing, restoration, or tender reassurance, emphasizing God's responsiveness to human need and suffering.
* **Personification**: As seen in "daughter of Zion," the term is used metaphorically to represent a collective entity, endowing it with human characteristics and emotional depth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θυγάτριον (thygátrion, `{{G2365}}`) lies in its capacity to draw attention to themes of divine compassion, human vulnerability, and the nature of God's relationship with His people.
In the account of Jairus's daughter, the use of "little daughter" amplifies the pathos of the situation, inviting the reader to feel the father's anguish and marvel at Jesus's power over death. The miracle is not just a demonstration of power but an act of profound mercy toward a vulnerable child and her grieving family. It underscores Jesus's identification with human suffering and His willingness to intervene in the face of ultimate helplessness. This narrative portrays God's compassionate heart for the weak and the suffering, epitomized by a child on the brink of death.
In the "daughter of Zion" context, the diminutive suggests God's tender regard for His covenant people, Israel. Despite their struggles or perceived insignificance among nations, they are cherished by God. The coming of their King, not in overwhelming might but in humility, offers a different kind of salvation—one rooted in peace and tender care rather than conquest. This speaks to the intimate and protective relationship God maintains with His chosen ones, offering comfort and reassurance even in times of apprehension.
### Summary
The Greek word θυγάτριον (thygátrion, `{{G2365}}`) is a diminutive form of "daughter," signifying "little daughter" or "young daughter." Its use in the New Testament is limited but highly impactful, conveying nuances of tenderness, affection, vulnerability, and cherished status. In the account of Jairus's dying child ([[Mark 5:23]]), it intensifies the pathos of human suffering and highlights Jesus's compassionate power to heal and restore life. In the prophetic quotation regarding the "daughter of Zion" ([[John 12:15]]), it underscores God's tender care for His people and the humble, yet ultimately triumphant, nature of the Messiah's arrival. Across both occurrences, θυγάτριον serves to emphasize divine compassion, human dependence, and the intimate, protective dimension of God's interaction with His creation and His covenant people.
TRV