feminine of נַעַר; a girl (from infancy to adolescence); damsel, maid(-en), young (woman).
Transliteration:naʻărâh
Pronunciation:nah-ar-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נַעֲרָה (naʻărâh), Strong's `{{H5291}}`, is the feminine counterpart to נַעַר (naʻar), Strong's `{{H5288}}`. Its base definition refers to a female from infancy through adolescence, extending to a young woman. The semantic range of *naʻărâh* primarily denotes an individual who is young, not yet fully mature, and often, but not exclusively, unmarried. English translations vary, including "damsel," "maid," "maiden," "young woman," and "girl," reflecting the flexibility of the term to encompass different stages within this youthful period. It signifies an age bracket rather than a precise age, emphasizing a stage of life characterized by youthfulness, potential, and often, a specific social status within the household or community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נַעֲרָה (naʻărâh) appears approximately 76 times in the Old Testament, providing rich contextual insights into its usage.
In [[Exodus 2:5]], Pharaoh's daughter's "maidens" (naʻărâh) are her attendants, likely young women of service. Similarly, in [[Exodus 2:8]], Moses' "sister" (naʻărâh), Miriam, is described as a young girl, highlighting her youthfulness as she watches over her infant brother.
Perhaps one of the most illustrative uses is in the narrative of Rebekah. When Abraham's servant seeks a wife for Isaac, he encounters Rebekah at the well. She is repeatedly called a "young woman" or "damsel" (naʻărâh) in [[Genesis 24:14]] and [[Genesis 24:16]], with the latter verse explicitly stating she was "a virgin; no man had known her." This context underscores that while *naʻărâh* denotes youth, it can strongly imply virginity, especially when coupled with other descriptive elements.
In legal contexts, particularly in [[Deuteronomy 22:15-27]], *naʻărâh* is central to laws concerning sexual purity and marriage. Here, the "damsel" (naʻărâh) is clearly understood as an unmarried virgin, whose status and honor are protected by the law. The detailed regulations concerning her defilement or false accusation highlight the societal value placed on the purity of young women before marriage.
The Shunammite woman's "servant girl" (naʻărâh) in [[2 Kings 4:12]] is another example, indicating a young female in a position of service within a household. Similarly, in the book of Esther, the king's "young women" (naʻărâh) are attendants in the harem, as seen in [[Esther 2:9]]. These examples demonstrate the term's application to young females in various social roles, from family members to servants and potential brides.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the masculine counterpart, נַעַר (naʻar), Strong's `{{H5288}}`, which refers to a "young man," "lad," or "servant." Both terms share a similar age range and often denote a similar social status, such as being in service or under the authority of elders.
Other terms related to age and gender include:
* יֶלֶד (yeled), Strong's `{{H3205}}`, a more general term for "child" or "boy," often emphasizing offspring.
* בַּת (bat), Strong's `{{H1323}}`, meaning "daughter" or "girl," which emphasizes familial relationship rather than age exclusively.
* עַלְמָה (ʻalmāh), Strong's `{{H5959}}`, translated as "young woman" or "virgin," notably in [[Isaiah 7:14]]. While *naʻărâh* can refer to a virgin, *ʻalmāh* often carries a stronger implication of virginity, especially in prophetic contexts, though its primary meaning is simply a young woman of marriageable age. The distinction is subtle but important: *naʻărâh* is a broader age category, while *ʻalmāh* often highlights the potential for childbearing or an unmarried state.
* בְּתוּלָה (bəthûlāh), Strong's `{{H1330}}`, which explicitly means "virgin," and is the most precise term for an uninitiated female. While a *naʻărâh* might be a *bəthûlāh*, the terms are not interchangeable, as a *naʻărâh* could be married or no longer a virgin, though the legal contexts often assume virginity.
### Theological Significance
The term נַעֲרָה (naʻărâh) carries significant theological weight, particularly in its portrayal of vulnerability, purity, and divine providence.
1. **Vulnerability and Protection:** The frequent depiction of *naʻărâh* in situations requiring protection (e.g., Moses' sister, the "damsel" in legal statutes) highlights God's particular concern for the vulnerable members of society. The Mosaic Law's detailed provisions for the protection of young women underscore a divine mandate for justice and care for those who might be exploited.
2. **Purity and Covenant:** The emphasis on the virginity of a *naʻărâh* in legal texts (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 22]]) reflects the high value placed on sexual purity within the covenant community of Israel. This purity was not merely a social construct but integral to the holiness and integrity of the people chosen by God, safeguarding the sanctity of marriage and family lines.
3. **Divine Providence and Calling:** The lives of young women, though seemingly ordinary, are often depicted as being under divine care. Rebekah's encounter with Abraham's servant, leading to her becoming the matriarch of Israel, is a prime example of God's sovereign hand guiding the destiny of a *naʻărâh* for His redemptive purposes.
4. **Continuity of Generations:** As young women, *naʻărâh* represent the future of the community, the potential for motherhood, and the continuation of the covenant line. Their well-being and moral uprightness were therefore crucial for the perpetuation of God's promises to Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew term נַעֲרָה (naʻărâh), Strong's `{{H5291}}`, designates a young female, ranging from a girl to a young woman, often unmarried. Its semantic breadth allows for various translations such as "damsel," "maid," and "maiden." Contextual analysis reveals its use in describing young family members, attendants, and crucially, unmarried virgins in legal and narrative texts. It is closely related to its masculine counterpart, *naʻar* `{{H5288}}`, and distinct from more specific terms like *ʻalmāh* `{{H5959}}` (young woman, often virgin) and *bəthûlāh* `{{H1330}}` (explicitly virgin). Theologically, *naʻărâh* underscores themes of vulnerability, the divine mandate for protection and purity within the covenant, and God's providential care in shaping the lives of individuals for His greater purposes, thereby ensuring the continuity of His people. The study of *naʻărâh* offers profound insights into the social structures, legal provisions, and the reverent regard for life and purity in ancient Israel.
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