### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **korásion**, represented by `{{G2877}}`, is a term for **a (little) girl**. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is used to refer to a young female, translated as **damsel** or **maid**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2877}}` is used in two key accounts. It describes the young girl whom Jesus raises from the dead, where He states, "the **maid** is not dead, but sleepeth" [[Matthew 9:24]]. After taking her by the hand, "the **maid** arose" [[Matthew 9:25]]. The Aramaic phrase "Talitha cumi" is directly interpreted as "**Damsel**, I say unto thee, arise" [[Mark 5:41]]. The term is also used for the daughter of Herodias, who danced for Herod. The king addresses her as **damsel** [[Mark 6:22]], and she is the **damsel** who receives the head of John the Baptist on a charger ([[Matthew 14:11]], [[Mark 6:28]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding the **damsel**:
* `{{G2364}}` **thygátēr** (a female child, or (by Hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)): This word is used in parallel to `{{G2877}}`, as when the **daughter** of Herodias [[Mark 6:22]] is then referred to as the **damsel**.
* `{{G2518}}` **katheúdō** (to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)): This term is used by Jesus to describe the state of the young girl, explaining that the **maid** `{{G2877}}` is not dead but **sleepeth** [[Matthew 9:24]].
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken... i.e. rouse): This word for rising or waking is the command given to the **damsel** `{{G2877}}` in the Aramaic interpretation, "**arise**" [[Mark 5:41]], and it describes the result of Jesus' action when "the maid **arose**" [[Matthew 9:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2877}}` is tied directly to the narratives in which it appears.
* **Power Over Death:** The word `{{G2877}}` is central to one of Christ's most personal miracles. The raising of the **maid** [[Matthew 9:25]] or **damsel** [[Mark 5:42]] serves as a direct demonstration of His authority over death itself.
* **Death as "Sleep":** Jesus reframes the finality of death by referring to the girl as one who merely **sleepeth** `{{G2518}}` [[Matthew 9:24]]. This provides a theological lens for understanding physical death in the presence of Him who has power to **raise** `{{G1453}}` the dead.
* **A Focal Point for Moral Contrast:** The word appears in two starkly different contexts. In one, a **damsel** is the recipient of a life-giving miracle [[Mark 5:41-42]]. In the other, a **damsel** is an agent in the execution of John the Baptist [[Matthew 14:11]], highlighting a contrast between divine restoration and human corruption.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2877}}` is not just a descriptor for a young girl. It designates the specific individuals at the center of profound spiritual events. The term is forever linked to narratives that showcase Christ's power to restore life and stands in contrast to its use in a story of manipulation and death, illustrating the dramatic intersection of the divine and the fallen in the biblical record.
TRV