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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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