The meaning of “עַלְמָה”
Understanding ʻalmâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
feminine of עֶלֶם damsel, maid, virgin. - a lass (as veiled or private) 1) virgin, young woman 1a) of marriageable age 1...
עַלְמָה
feminine of עֶלֶם damsel, maid, virgin. - a lass (as veiled or private) 1) virgin, young woman 1a) of marriageable age 1b) maid or newly married ++++ There is no instance where it can be proved that this word designates a young woman who is not a virgin. (TWOT)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 24:43 | “Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;” Word: עַלְמָה (ʻalmâh) | |
| Exodus 2:8 | “And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother.” Word: עַלְמָה (ʻalmâh) | |
| Psalms 68:25 | “The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.” Word: עַלְמָה (ʻalmâh) | |
| Proverbs 30:19 | “The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.” Word: עַלְמָה (ʻalmâh) | |
| Song of Solomon 6:8 | “There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.” Word: עַלְמָה (ʻalmâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.