### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parthenía**, represented by `{{G3932}}`, refers to **maidenhood** or **virginity**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole use is to mark a specific point in a person's life history, establishing a baseline for their subsequent experiences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its only biblical occurrence, `{{G3932}}` is used to describe the life of Anna, a `prophetess` `{{G4398}}`. The scripture states she "had lived with an husband seven years from her **virginity**" [[Luke 2:36]]. This usage pinpoints the transition from her maidenhood into marriage, providing a specific biographical detail that frames the account of her life as a woman of a `great` `{{G4183}}` age.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the passage help construct the full identity of the person described:
* `{{G4398}}` **prophētis** (a female foreteller or an inspired woman): This word describes Anna's spiritual role, providing the primary context for why her life details, including her **virginity** `{{G3932}}`, are recorded [[Luke 2:36]].
* `{{G2364}}` **thygátēr** (a female child, or descendant): Used to establish Anna's lineage as the **daughter** of Phanuel, this term works alongside `{{G3932}}` to build a complete identity for her [[Luke 2:36]].
* `{{G435}}` **anḗr** (a man, properly as an individual male): This term for **husband** is set in direct sequence to her maidenhood, identifying the man she lived with for seven years after her **virginity** [[Luke 2:36]].
* `{{G4260}}` **probaínō** (to walk forward, i.e. advance in years): This word is part of the description of Anna being "of a great age," a life that extends far beyond the period of her **virginity** and brief marriage [[Luke 2:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3932}}` is tied to its role in establishing character and credibility.
* **Establishing Pious Character:** The specific mention of her **virginity** `{{G3932}}` serves as the starting point for her personal history, grounding the description of the devout **prophetess** Anna in a specific, relatable life event [[Luke 2:36]].
* **Biographical Precision:** Its use adds a layer of historical detail to the narrative. By marking the end of her maidenhood, the text emphasizes the exact duration of her marriage, which in turn frames her status as a woman "of a great age" [[Luke 2:36]].
* **Context of Identity:** Paired with details of her family, including her father Phanuel `{{G5323}}` and her tribe of Aser `{{G768}}`, the term contributes to a full portrait of a significant figure, underscoring that her spiritual role is rooted in a real, documented life.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G3932}}` is an exceptionally rare term in Scripture, its single appearance is significant. It functions as a precise biographical marker in the life of Anna the prophetess, defining the transition from her maidenhood to marriage. This word demonstrates how Scripture uses specific life details to build a credible and compelling portrait of its key figures, grounding their spiritual significance in tangible human experience.
TRV