### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term παιδίσκη (G3814) is a feminine diminutive of `{{G3816}}` (παῖς), which means "child" or "servant." As such, παιδίσκη fundamentally denotes a "little girl" or, more commonly in the New Testament, a "female servant" or "slave girl." Its semantic range encompasses both the age-related meaning of "damsel" or "maiden" and the status-related meaning of "bondmaid" or "female slave." While the diminutive form might suggest youth, the primary emphasis in biblical usage often shifts to the social status of servitude. It describes a woman, typically young, who is in a position of service or bondage, often within a household.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παιδίσκη appears frequently in the New Testament, consistently carrying the meaning of a female servant or slave.
* In the narratives of Peter's denial of Jesus, a παιδίσκη is instrumental in identifying him. In [[Matthew 26:69]], [[Mark 14:66]], and [[John 18:17]], a "serving girl" or "doorkeeper" (likely a servant in the high priest's household) challenges Peter, leading to his denials. This highlights the social reality of such figures in prominent households and their role, however humble, in the unfolding drama.
* In [[Acts 12:13]], the young woman Rhoda is identified as a παιδίσκη who answers the door for Peter, again clearly functioning as a household servant.
* [[Luke 12:45]] speaks of a wicked servant who beats the "male and female servants" (παιδίσκας in the plural), directly illustrating the vulnerability and subordinate status of such individuals.
* The most significant theological use of παιδίσκη occurs in Paul's allegory in Galatians. In [[Galatians 4:22-31]], Hagar is consistently referred to as the παιδίσκη (bondwoman/slave girl), contrasted with Sarah, the free woman. This usage is pivotal for Paul's theological argument concerning the nature of the two covenants. Hagar, the παιδίσκη, represents the covenant of the Law given at Sinai, which leads to bondage, while Sarah, the free woman, represents the covenant of grace, leading to freedom in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
παιδίσκη is closely related to its root word `{{G3816}}` (παῖς), which can mean "child," "boy," or "servant." Its feminine and diminutive nature distinguish it. Other related terms include:
* `{{G1401}}` (δοῦλος): The general term for a slave or servant, male or female. While παιδίσκη implies servitude, it often carries a nuance of youth or being a specific type of household servant.
* `{{G1399}}` (δούλη): The feminine form of δοῦλος, meaning a female slave. παιδίσκη and δούλη are often interchangeable in contexts of female servitude, but παιδίσκη retains the more specific connotation of "girl" or "young woman" in service.
* The broader biblical concepts of servitude, social hierarchy, and the status of women in the ancient world are illuminated by the presence and roles of individuals identified as παιδίσκη.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παιδίσκη is most profoundly evident in Paul's allegory in [[Galatians 4]]. Here, the distinction between the "bondwoman" (Hagar, the παιδίσκη) and the "free woman" (Sarah) becomes a powerful metaphor for two spiritual realities:
1. **Bondage under Law vs. Freedom in Christ:** Hagar, the παιδίσκη, symbolizes the Old Covenant given at Sinai, which, when approached legalistically, leads to spiritual slavery. Her child, Ishmael, born "according to the flesh," represents those who seek righteousness through works of the Law. In contrast, Sarah, the free woman, symbolizes the New Covenant of grace, which brings spiritual freedom. Her child, Isaac, born "through promise," represents those who are children of God by faith in Christ. This allegory underscores the core of the gospel message: salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the Law.
2. **Spiritual Heritage:** Believers are called to identify with the children of the free woman, inheriting the promise of spiritual freedom and sonship, rather than remaining in the spiritual bondage represented by the παιδίσκη.
Beyond Galatians, the presence of παιδίσκη figures in the Gospels and Acts, though seemingly minor, highlights the pervasive nature of servitude in ancient society and the fact that God's plan often unfolds through the actions of seemingly insignificant individuals, such as the παιδίσκη who identified Peter during his denial, a moment of profound spiritual failure and divine orchestration.
### Summary
The Greek term παιδίσκη (G3814) primarily denotes a "female servant" or "slave girl," often implying youth. While appearing in various narrative contexts, such as the παιδίσκη who identified Peter during his denial ([[Matthew 26:69]], [[Mark 14:66]], [[John 18:17]]), its most significant theological contribution lies in Paul's allegorical use in [[Galatians 4]]. There, Hagar, the παιδίσκη, serves as a powerful symbol of the Old Covenant of Law, which leads to spiritual bondage, in stark contrast to Sarah, the free woman, who represents the New Covenant of grace and the freedom found in Christ. Thus, παιδίσκη not only illuminates the social realities of the biblical world but also serves as a crucial linguistic key to understanding profound theological truths about salvation, law, and grace.
TRV