### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yaldâh**, represented by `{{H3207}}`, is the feminine form of `{{H3206}}` and translates to **girl** or **damsel**. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, making each of its occurrences particularly noteworthy. While its base definition is straightforward, its usage in scripture provides a lens through which to view themes of peace, judgment, and personal desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The contexts in which `{{H3207}}` appears are distinct and impactful. In a vision of future restoration, Zechariah sees the streets of the city filled with boys and **girls** playing, a powerful image of communal safety and blessing [[Zechariah 8:5]]. In stark contrast, the prophet Joel describes a scene of profound judgment where a **girl** is sold for wine, illustrating the utter devaluation of human life by a sinful people [[Joel 3:3]]. Lastly, in Genesis, Shechem demands of his father, "Get me this **damsel** to wife," framing the young woman as an object of intense desire that incites conflict between families [[Genesis 34:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context surrounding `{{H3207}}`:
* `{{H3206}}` **yeled** (something born, i.e. a lad or offspring): As the direct masculine counterpart, this word often appears in parallel with `{{H3207}}` to refer to children collectively, as seen in the prophecy of boys and girls playing in the streets [[Zechariah 8:5]].
* `{{H4376}}` **mâkar** (to sell, literally or figuratively): This verb is directly linked to the tragic fate of the **girl** in Joel's prophecy, where she is commodified and sold for wine, highlighting the depth of the people's transgression [[Joel 3:3]].
* `{{H3947}}` **lâqach** (to take): This word is used by Shechem when he demands the **damsel**, signifying his intent to possess her and setting in motion the subsequent events of the narrative [[Genesis 34:4]].
* `{{H7832}}` **sâchaq** (to laugh, play, rejoice): This describes the activity of the **girls** in the restored Jerusalem, linking their presence to a state of joy, security, and divine favor [[Zechariah 8:5]].
### Theological Significance
Though used sparingly, the theological weight of `{{H3207}}` is significant, often serving as a barometer for the moral and spiritual state of a community.
* **Sign of Divine Blessing:** The presence of playing girls in the city streets is presented as a clear indicator of God's restorative blessing, peace, and covenant faithfulness [[Zechariah 8:5]].
* **Victim of Human Depravity:** The treatment of a **girl** as a mere commodity to be sold for wine is used to depict the ultimate consequence of sin and the horror of divine judgment against a people who have forsaken God [[Joel 3:3]].
* **Catalyst of Conflict:** The desire for a **damsel** acts as a pivotal point in the narrative of Genesis 34, demonstrating how personal desire, when acted upon wrongfully, can lead to violence, deceit, and tribal conflict.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3207}}` is more than just the word for a young woman. Its rare appearances in scripture provide powerful and concise illustrations of key theological concepts. The **girl** or **damsel** is depicted in states of joyful security, tragic commodification, and as the object of powerful desire, making the word a poignant marker for the condition of a community in relation to God's blessing, judgment, or the consequences of human sin.
TRV