### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term παρθένος (G3933), transliterated as *parthenos*, primarily denotes a "virgin" or "maiden." While its etymological origin remains uncertain, its consistent usage in ancient Greek literature and the New Testament points to a young, unmarried woman, with a strong implication, and often the explicit meaning, of sexual purity and chastity. The base definition "unmarried daughter" reinforces this sense of a woman who has not yet entered into marital relations. In the biblical context, *parthenos* almost invariably carries the connotation of an intact physical state, signifying one who has not experienced sexual intercourse. This is not merely a descriptive term but often carries moral and theological weight, especially in cultures that highly valued pre-marital chastity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρθένος appears frequently in the New Testament, with several pivotal occurrences:
* **The Virgin Birth of Jesus:** Perhaps the most significant use is in reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus. [[Matthew 1:23]] explicitly quotes [[Isaiah 7:14]] (from the Septuagint, which uses παρθένος to translate the Hebrew עלמה `{{H5959}}`) to affirm that "the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son." [[Luke 1:27]] also identifies Mary as a παρθένος betrothed to Joseph, highlighting the miraculous and supernatural nature of Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit. Here, the term is crucial for establishing Jesus' unique divine origin and sinlessness.
* **The Parable of the Ten Virgins:** In [[Matthew 25:1-12]], Jesus tells the parable of ten παρθένος who go out to meet the bridegroom. This narrative uses the common cultural practice of a wedding procession to teach about spiritual preparedness and vigilance for the coming of the Son of Man. The "virgin" status here is incidental to their role as attendants, but the focus shifts to their readiness (having oil for their lamps) for the bridegroom's arrival, symbolizing the urgency of spiritual vigilance.
* **Paul's Discussions on Singleness and Marriage:** In [[1 Corinthians 7:25-38]], Paul uses παρθένος when discussing the state of "unmarried women" or "virgins." He advises that remaining unmarried (as a παρθένος) can allow for undivided devotion to the Lord, free from the concerns of married life. Here, the term refers to a woman who has never been married, irrespective of age, emphasizing her availability for spiritual service.
* **The Church as a Pure Virgin:** In a powerful metaphorical application, Paul writes to the Corinthian church, "I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure παρθένος to him" [[2 Corinthians 11:2]]. This imagery portrays the church collectively as a chaste bride, betrothed to Christ, emphasizing the corporate call to spiritual purity, faithfulness, and undivided loyalty, free from the corrupting influences of the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of παρθένος is enriched by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Septuagint (LXX), παρθένος frequently translates the Hebrew בתולה (`{{H1330}}`, *betulah*), which unequivocally means "virgin." While עלמה (`{{H5959}}`, *almah*) in [[Isaiah 7:14]] literally means "young woman" and can refer to a virgin, the LXX's choice of παρθένος for עלמה in this specific prophetic context strongly emphasizes the virginity of the woman who would conceive.
* **Purity and Holiness:** Concepts like ἁγνός (`{{G53}}`, *hagnos*, "pure," "holy") and ἁγιασμός (`{{G38}}`, *hagiasmos*, "sanctification," "holiness") are intimately linked to the state implied by παρθένος. The physical state of virginity often serves as a metaphor or a prerequisite for spiritual purity and devotion.
* **Bride and Marriage:** παρθένος is often seen in relation to νύμφη (`{{G3565}}`, *nymphe*, "bride" or "young wife"). A παρθένος is typically a prospective bride, and the transition from παρθένος to νύμφη signifies the move from unmarried purity to marital union. This is particularly evident in the parable of the ten virgins and Paul's metaphor of the church as Christ's betrothed παρθένος.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παρθένος is profound and multifaceted:
* **The Incarnation and Divine Sovereignty:** The virgin birth of Jesus, attested by παρθένος in the Gospels, is a foundational doctrine. It underscores the unique, supernatural origin of Christ, affirming his divine sonship and the miraculous intervention of God in human history. It establishes Jesus' sinless nature, as his conception was not through human will but by the power of the Holy Spirit. This fulfillment of prophecy ([[Isaiah 7:14]]) highlights God's meticulous plan and sovereign control over salvation history.
* **Eschatological Readiness:** The parable of the ten virgins ([[Matthew 25:1-12]]) imbues παρθένος with eschatological meaning, connecting the state of purity and readiness to the expectation of Christ's return. It is a call for believers to maintain spiritual vigilance and preparedness, ensuring their lamps are filled with the "oil" of faith and good works, so they are not caught unprepared at the Lord's coming.
* **Ecclesial Purity and Devotion:** Paul's metaphor in [[2 Corinthians 11:2]] is critical for ecclesiology. By presenting the church as a "pure παρθένος" betrothed to Christ, Paul emphasizes the corporate call to spiritual purity, undivided loyalty, and faithfulness to Christ as her sole "husband." This imagery challenges the church to resist spiritual idolatry and corruption, maintaining her sanctity as the bride of Christ.
* **Ethical Considerations and Discipleship:** In [[1 Corinthians 7]], the discussion of παρθένος contributes to Christian ethics regarding singleness and marriage. Paul presents remaining a παρθένος (unmarried) as a legitimate and, for some, even preferable path for deeper devotion and service to the Lord, free from the divided interests of married life. This elevates celibacy as a valid and spiritually beneficial choice for certain individuals within the body of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek term παρθένος (G3933) primarily signifies a "virgin" or "unmarried maiden," carrying a strong implication of sexual purity. Its biblical occurrences are central to several key theological doctrines and ethical considerations. Most significantly, it underpins the doctrine of the **virgin birth of Jesus**, affirming his divine origin and sinless nature. It also serves as a critical term in **eschatological parables** concerning spiritual readiness for Christ's return and features prominently in **Pauline ecclesiology**, where the church is depicted as a "pure παρθένος" betrothed to Christ, emphasizing her corporate call to spiritual purity and undivided devotion. Furthermore, in ethical discussions, παρθένος highlights the value of **singleness for the sake of dedicated service** to the Lord. Thus, παρθένος is a word rich in theological meaning, pointing to divine intervention, spiritual vigilance, corporate holiness, and personal devotion.
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