### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) is directly derived from parthenos (`{{G3933}}`), meaning "virgin" or "maiden." Its core meaning denotes the state or condition of "maidenhood" or "virginity." It refers specifically to the physical state of a woman who has not experienced sexual intercourse. While parthenos (`{{G3933}}`) can sometimes carry broader connotations of youth or purity, parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) is more narrowly focused on the aspect of sexual intactness. Its singular occurrence in the New Testament limits a broad semantic range within the biblical text itself, yet its etymological root provides a clear and unambiguous definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 2:36]]: "And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from her parthenía."
In this context, parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) refers to the period of Anna's life before her marriage, indicating the duration of her maidenhood until she became a wife. The verse explicitly states that she lived with her husband for seven years *from* her state of virginity, meaning seven years *after* her marriage, following her parthenía. This detail highlights Anna's long life and, more importantly, the extensive period of her widowhood (approximately 84 years, according to the following verse), during which she devoted herself entirely to worship in the temple. The mention of her parthenía serves to underscore her complete life trajectory, beginning with her youthful purity, proceeding through a brief marriage, and culminating in a profound and lengthy dedication to God. It sets a chronological marker for her life of piety.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is parthenos (`{{G3933}}`), from which parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) is derived. Parthenos (`{{G3933}}`) is used extensively in the New Testament to refer to virgins, most notably Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as unmarried women in general, or symbolically for those who are spiritually pure (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 11:2]], [[Revelation 14:4]]). The concept of parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) is intrinsically linked to notions of purity, chastity, and undefilement. In a broader sense, it connects to the biblical emphasis on sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. While parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) specifically denotes physical virginity, it resonates with the broader biblical call for holiness and separation from worldly defilement, which can be seen in words like hagnos (`{{G53}}` - pure, holy) or katharos (`{{G2513}}` - clean, pure). The state of virginity, whether physical or spiritual, often symbolizes an unblemished dedication to God.
### Theological Significance
Although parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) appears only once, its presence in the narrative of Anna carries significant theological weight. Anna, a prophetess, is presented as a model of profound devotion and piety. Her parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) marks the beginning of a life that, despite a brief marriage, was predominantly characterized by a singular focus on God. The mention of her virginity, followed by her brief marriage and then decades of widowhood spent in the temple, emphasizes a life lived in a state of purity and continuous worship. Theologically, this highlights the value placed on a life consecrated to God, whether through celibacy (like Anna's long widowhood) or through a pure and undefiled marriage. It underscores that a life marked by purity from its earliest stages can lead to profound spiritual insight and prophetic ministry, as exemplified by Anna's recognition of the infant Jesus as the Messiah. Parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) thus becomes a foundational element in depicting a life of exemplary devotion and readiness to encounter the divine.
### Summary
Parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "maidenhood" or "virginity," derived from parthenos (`{{G3933}}`). Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 2:36]] describes the state of Anna the prophetess before her marriage. This detail serves as a chronological marker, highlighting the purity of her early life which preceded decades of dedicated worship and prophetic ministry in the Temple. The word underscores the biblical value placed on purity and chastity, linking it to a life of profound devotion and readiness for divine encounter. While referring to a physical state, parthenía (`{{G3932}}`) contributes to the broader theological theme of consecration and undefiled dedication to God, exemplified in the life of Anna.
TRV