### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κοράσιον (G2877), transliterated as *korásion*, is a neuter noun. It is understood to be a diminutive form, likely derived from κόρη (korē), meaning "maiden" or "girl." The use of the neuter ending in Greek often serves to indicate a small, tender, or young version of something.
The core meaning of κοράσιον is "a little girl," "a young maiden," or "a damsel." Its semantic range extends from a very young child, as implied in the context of Jairus' daughter who was thought to be dead ([[Matthew 9:24]]), to an early adolescent, specifically noted as "twelve years old" in [[Mark 5:42]]. The diminutive nature of the word consistently emphasizes youthfulness and a pre-adult stage of life, often implying innocence, fragility, or a state of dependence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κοράσιον appears 6 times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Synoptic Gospels. Its usage is confined to two distinct narratives, providing clear contextual insights:
1. **The Raising of Jairus' Daughter:**
* [[Matthew 9:24]], [[Mark 5:41]], and [[Luke 8:54]] all use κοράσιον to refer to Jairus' daughter, whom Jesus raises from the dead. In these accounts, the word underscores her tender age and vulnerability. The Aramaic phrase "Ταλιθὰ κοῦμ" (Talitha koum), meaning "Little girl, I say to you, arise," preserved in [[Mark 5:41]], directly confirms the diminutive sense of κοράσιον. Her age, explicitly stated as "twelve years old" in [[Mark 5:42]], provides a concrete reference point for the upper age limit implied by the term, indicating a girl on the cusp of adolescence. The context highlights Jesus' divine authority over life and death, and His profound compassion for the suffering and the young.
2. **The Daughter of Herodias:**
* [[Matthew 14:11]] and [[Mark 6:28]] use κοράσιον to describe the daughter of Herodias (traditionally identified as Salome), who danced before Herod and, at her mother's instigation, requested the head of John the Baptist. While her precise age is not given, the use of κοράσιον suggests she was a young woman, likely in her early to mid-teens, rather than a fully mature adult. This detail accentuates the horror of the event, as a "little girl" is manipulated into demanding such a gruesome act, revealing the profound moral corruption of Herod's court.
In both contexts, κοράσιον consistently denotes a female who is young and not yet an adult woman. The narratives are often dramatic, involving miracles or significant moral failings, and the term subtly draws attention to the specific age and associated characteristics of the individuals involved.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κοράσιον is enhanced by examining related Greek terms:
* **κόρη (korē):** `{{G2878}}` This is the likely root word from which κοράσιον is derived. Κόρη means "maiden," "girl," or "virgin" and is a more general term for a young woman. Κοράσιον, as a diminutive, specifically emphasizes the "little" or younger aspect compared to κόρη.
* **παιδίον (paidion):** `{{G3813}}` Meaning "child," this term is broader and gender-neutral, often referring to infants or young children (e.g., the child Jesus). While κοράσιον specifies a female child, παιδίον can apply to any young human.
* **θυγάτηρ (thygatēr):** `{{G2364}}` This word means "daughter" and focuses on the familial relationship rather than age, though it can certainly refer to a young girl (e.g., Jairus' daughter is also called his θυγάτηρ).
* **παῖς (pais):** `{{G3816}}` A versatile term meaning "child," "servant," "boy," or "girl." Like παιδίον, it is more general than κοράσιον in terms of gender and often age range.
The concept evoked by κοράσιον centers on youth, often with connotations of innocence, vulnerability, and potential. In the context of the resurrection, it highlights the fragility of life and the divine power to restore it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κοράσιον is primarily derived from its prominent use in the accounts of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter.
* **Divine Compassion and Authority:** The interaction with the "little girl" in the resurrection narratives powerfully demonstrates Jesus' profound compassion for the vulnerable and His absolute authority over death. The use of the diminutive term underscores the fragility of human life and the extraordinary nature of God's restorative power manifested in Christ. Jesus' immediate command after raising her, "Give her something to eat" ([[Mark 5:43]]), further illustrates His holistic care, extending to the practical needs of the restored life.
* **The Value of Children:** Jesus' direct engagement with and miraculous intervention for this "little girl" highlights the inherent value and dignity of children within the Kingdom of God. This stands in contrast to some ancient societal perspectives that might have marginalized children, emphasizing God's particular care for the young and the seemingly insignificant.
* **Moral Corruption and Influence:** In the narrative of Herodias' daughter, κοράσιον serves as a poignant descriptor. A "little girl" becomes an unwitting instrument in a heinous act, illustrating the devastating consequences of adult manipulation, unchecked lust, and rash oaths. This use underscores how even the young can be drawn into profound sin, and how the actions of adults can have tragic and corrupting effects on those under their influence.
### Summary
The Greek word κοράσιον (G2877) precisely denotes a "little girl" or "young maiden," emphasizing youth, tenderness, and often a degree of vulnerability. Appearing six times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, its usage is confined to two significant narratives. In the accounts of Jairus' daughter, κοράσιον highlights Jesus' compassionate power over death and His profound care for the vulnerable, underscoring the inherent value of children in God's eyes. In the narrative concerning Herodias' daughter, the term tragically illustrates the consequences of adult depravity and the potential for youthful innocence to be exploited. Across its uses, κοράσιον consistently refers to a female who has not yet reached full adulthood, making it a specific and evocative term for a young girl within the biblical text.
TRV