feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to separate; a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state; maid, virgin.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉthûwlâh**, represented by `{{H1330}}`, primarily means **virgin** or **maid**. It appears 50 times across 50 unique verses. The term is derived from an unused root meaning "to separate," which can allude to a young woman's state of being set apart and in privacy. Beyond its literal use for a young woman, it is also used figuratively to describe a city or a state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1330}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes a young woman who has not known a man, as seen in the description of Rebekah as "a virgin `{{H1330}}`, neither had any man known `{{H3045}}` her" [[Genesis 24:16]]. The term is also central to legal matters, such as the laws concerning a "damsel `{{H5291}}` that is a virgin `{{H1330}}`" who is not yet betrothed `{{H781}}` [[Deuteronomy 22:28]]. Figuratively, `{{H1330}}` often personifies a city or nation, such as the "virgin `{{H1330}}` daughter `{{H1323}}` of Zion `{{H6726}}`" [[Isaiah 37:22]] or the "virgin `{{H1330}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`" [[Jeremiah 18:13]], to emphasize its purity, vulnerability, or subsequent desolation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context and status of a **bᵉthûwlâh**:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This term is frequently paired with `{{H1330}}` in figurative expressions that personify a people or nation, such as the "virgin `{{H1330}}` daughter `{{H1323}}` of my people `{{H5971}}`" [[Jeremiah 14:17]].
* `{{H781}}` **ʼâras** (to betroth): Meaning to engage for matrimony, this word defines the legal step a virgin takes before marriage. It is used in laws concerning a "damsel `{{H5291}}` that is a virgin `{{H1330}}` be betrothed `{{H781}}`" [[Deuteronomy 22:23]].
* `{{H1167}}` **baʻal** (husband): This word for a master or husband is used to describe the man a virgin would marry. In Joel, a lament is called for like a "virgin `{{H1330}}` girded `{{H2296}}` with sackcloth `{{H8242}}` for the husband `{{H1167}}` of her youth `{{H5271}}`" [[Joel 1:8]].
* `{{H3618}}` **kallâh** (bride): This term signifies the transition from being a virgin to a married woman. A prophecy in Isaiah states that God will rejoice over his people as "the bridegroom `{{H2860}}` rejoiceth over the bride `{{H3618}}`" [[Isaiah 62:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1330}}` is significant, highlighting themes of purity, relationship, and restoration.
* **Symbol of Purity and Consecration:** The word carries importance in laws concerning holiness. Priests `{{H3548}}` were commanded to take a **virgin** `{{H1330}}` of their own people `{{H5971}}` as a wife `{{H802}}`, underscoring a standard of purity required for holy service ([[Leviticus 21:14]], [[Ezekiel 44:22]]).
* **Personification of Covenant Relationship:** `{{H1330}}` is often used to personify a nation's covenant relationship with God. Israel is addressed as the "virgin `{{H1330}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`" to denote her special, set-apart status [[Jeremiah 31:4]]. In times of judgment, this same title conveys profound loss and sorrow, as when "the virgin `{{H1330}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` is fallen `{{H5307}}`" [[Amos 5:2]].
* **Promise of Restoration and Joy:** The title also contains a seed of hope. Even after judgment, God promises to "build `{{H1129}}` thee" again, "O virgin `{{H1330}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`," turning mourning `{{H60}}` into joy `{{H8342}}` and adorning her with tabrets `{{H8596}}` and dances `{{H4234}}` ([[Jeremiah 31:4]], [[Jeremiah 31:13]]).
### Summary
In summary, **bᵉthûwlâh** `{{H1330}}` is far more than a simple descriptor for a young woman. It is a term rich with legal, social, and theological meaning, establishing a standard of purity in both personal conduct and priestly requirements [[Ezekiel 44:22]]. Figuratively, it powerfully personifies the covenant relationship between God and His people, depicting their states of honor, desolation, and ultimately, promised restoration and joy [[Jeremiah 31:4]]. The word illustrates the biblical concept of being set apart—whether a person for marriage or a people for God.
TRV