### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **paidískē**, represented by `{{G3814}}`, is a feminine diminutive term for a girl, specifically defining a female slave or servant. It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is translated as bondmaid, bondwoman, damsel, or maid. Its meaning is tied to a state of servitude or a junior social position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G3814}}` is used to identify women by their social status. During Peter's denial, he is confronted first by a **damsel** [[Matthew 26:69]] and later by a **maid** who identifies him as a follower of Jesus [[Mark 14:69]]. Another "damsel" named Rhoda comes to the gate when Peter knocks after his escape from prison [[Acts 12:13]]. The term is also used for the "damsel possessed with a spirit of divination" who brought her masters profit [[Acts 16:16]]. The most significant theological use of the word is in Galatians, where the **bondwoman** is a central figure in a spiritual allegory [[Galatians 4:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for servitude and freedom:
* `{{G1401}}` **doûlos**: from δέω; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):--bond(-man), servant. This is a general term for a slave, contrasted with the free in Christ, where there is "neither **bond** nor free" [[Galatians 3:28]].
* `{{G1658}}` **eleútheros**: probably from the alternate of ἔρχομαι; unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or liability):--free (man, woman), at liberty. This word stands in direct opposition to `{{G3814}}`, particularly in Galatians where the children of the bondwoman are contrasted with the children of the **freewoman** [[Galatians 4:31]].
* `{{G3816}}` **paîs**: perhaps from παίω; a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a king; and by eminence to God):--child, maid(-en), (man) servant, son, young man. As the root word, it refers to a servant or child more generally. A parable in Luke speaks of a wicked servant who begins to beat the **menservants** `{{G3816}}` and **maidens** `{{G3814}}` [[Luke 12:45]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3814}}` is most clearly articulated in the Epistle to the Galatians.
* **Symbol of the Flesh:** The "bondmaid" is used in an allegory where Abraham has two sons, one by a **bondmaid** and one by a freewoman [[Galatians 4:22]]. The one from the bondmaid was "born after the flesh," while the one from the freewoman was "by promise" [[Galatians 4:23]].
* **Exclusion from Inheritance:** The status of the **bondwoman** directly impacts her son's standing. Scripture commands to "Cast out the **bondwoman** and her son," because he "shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman" [[Galatians 4:30]].
* **Identity of the Believer:** The allegory serves to define the identity of believers in Christ. The conclusion is drawn that "we are not children of the **bondwoman**, but of the free" [[Galatians 4:31]], contrasting two spiritual realities.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3814}}` is a specific term that denotes a young female servant or slave. While it is used literally in narrative accounts to describe characters of a certain social standing, its most profound application is symbolic. In the book of Galatians, the "bondwoman" becomes a key element in a theological argument, representing a state of being "after the flesh" that stands in contrast to the freedom found through promise in Christ.
TRV