### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **naʻărâh**, represented by `{{H5291}}`, is the feminine form of `na'ar` and refers to a **girl**, from infancy to adolescence. It appears 62 times across 57 unique verses in the Bible. The term is broadly translated as damsel, maid, maiden, or young woman, encompassing a range of social roles and life stages for a young female.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5291}}` is used to describe young women in various social positions. It frequently identifies a daughter within a family structure, as seen in the story of the Levite's concubine, where her father is repeatedly called "the **damsel's** father" [[Judges 19:3]]. The word also denotes female attendants or servants, such as the **maidens** who accompany Pharaoh's daughter [[Exodus 2:5]], Esther [[Esther 4:16]], and Abigail [[1 Samuel 25:42]]. In legal contexts, particularly in Deuteronomy, `naʻărâh` refers to a young woman whose honor and marital status are protected by law, with specific statutes addressing virgins who are betrothed [[Deuteronomy 22:23]] and those who are not [[Deuteronomy 22:28]]. Figures like Rebekah [[Genesis 24:14]], Ruth [[Ruth 2:6]], and Esther [[Esther 2:7]] are introduced as a **damsel** or **maid**, highlighting their youth at pivotal moments in their stories.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the role and status of a **naʻărâh**:
* `{{H5288}}` **naʻar** (boy, lad, servant): This is the masculine counterpart to `{{H5291}}`. Their connected use helps define family and household structures, as when a husband travels with his **servant** (`naʻar`) to retrieve his concubine, who is identified by her connection to the **damsel's** (`naʻărâh`) father [[Judges 19:3]].
* `{{H1330}}` **bᵉthûwlâh** (a virgin): This term is often used with `{{H5291}}` to specify a young woman's sexual purity. The law makes a distinction for a **damsel** that is a **virgin** [[Deuteronomy 22:23]], indicating that while a `naʻărâh` is young, she is not automatically assumed to be a `bᵉthûwlâh`.
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman, wife): This word often represents the next stage of life for a `naʻărâh`. Laws in Deuteronomy stipulate that under certain circumstances, a man must take a **damsel** (`naʻărâh`) as his **wife** (`ʼishshâh`) [[Deuteronomy 22:29]].
* `{{H519}}` **ʼâmâh** (a maidservant or female slave): This term appears alongside `{{H5291}}` and may suggest a different class of servant. Pharaoh's daughter is accompanied by her **maidens** (`naʻărâh`), but sends her **maid** (`ʼâmâh`) to retrieve the ark from the water [[Exodus 2:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5291}}` is often tied to the vulnerability and potential of young women in God's plan.
* **Covenant and Lineage:** Young women are crucial for the continuation of the covenant. Rebekah is identified as the **damsel** appointed by God to be Isaac's wife [[Genesis 24:14]], and Ruth, the young **woman**, becomes an ancestor of King David [[Ruth 4:12]].
* **Divine Providence:** Seemingly insignificant young girls act as instruments of God's purpose. A little captive **maid** from Israel is the one who directs Naaman to the prophet who can heal him [[2 Kings 5:2]]. Esther, introduced as a **maid** [[Esther 2:7]], rises to a position where she can save her people.
* **Indicator of Moral State:** The treatment of a `naʻărâh` serves as a reflection of Israel's spiritual health. The extensive laws in Deuteronomy protect the honor of a **damsel** [[Deuteronomy 22:25-27]], while the sin of a man and his father going in to the same **maid** is presented as a profanation of God's holy name [[Amos 2:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5291}}` **naʻărâh** is a term that defines a young woman by her age, social role, and relationship to the community. Whether as a daughter, a servant, a potential bride, or a future queen, the `naʻărâh` is a significant figure in legal, historical, and prophetic texts. Her story often illustrates themes of divine providence, the importance of social justice, and the unexpected ways God works through the vulnerable to achieve His purposes.
TRV