γυνή

a woman, wife, my lady

Definition

The Greek word γυνή primarily means 'woman' as an adult female, used in general contexts like the woman with the hemorrhage (Matthew 9:20). A key specific sense is 'wife,' referring to a woman in a marital relationship, as seen when the angel tells Joseph about Mary, 'your wife' (Matthew 1:20). It can also function as a respectful term of address, 'my lady,' similar to 'madam.' The meaning is determined by context: in passages on marriage and divorce (e.g., Matthew 5:31-32), it clearly means 'wife,' while in narratives about female individuals, it means 'woman.'

Biblical Usage

Γυνή is used over 200 times across the New Testament, appearing frequently in the Gospels, Acts, and Pauline epistles. It is common in narratives about specific women (e.g., Matthew 9:22), teachings on marriage (Matthew 19:3-9), and lists of people (Acts 5:14). A significant pattern is its use in contrast with ἀνήρ (anēr, G435) meaning 'man/husband,' especially in discussions of marital roles (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:2-4, Ephesians 5:22-33). It also appears in prophetic or symbolic contexts, such as the 'woman' in Revelation 12:1.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʷḗn, meaning 'woman,' which also gives us the English 'queen.' It is a primary, ancient Greek noun with cognates in other languages like Sanskrit 'jani' and Old English 'cwēn.' The word itself is the standard term for an adult female and did not undergo significant semantic shift in Koine Greek, retaining its core meanings from classical usage.

Semantic Range

Γυνή is theologically significant as it is central to biblical teachings on marriage, gender, and redemption. It appears in key doctrines: the creation of woman (referenced in 1 Corinthians 11:7-12, from Genesis 2:22-23), the role of wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), and the incarnation through Mary (Matthew 1:20-24). Understanding the Greek clarifies whether a text refers to women in general or specifically to wives, enriching interpretation of passages on family, church order, and Christ's relationship to the church. It also highlights the dignity of women in Jesus' ministry, as he liberally uses this term for those he heals and honors (e.g., Luke 13:12).

In the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, γυνή denoted an adult female, but her social identity was often tied to her relationship to a man—as a daughter, wife, or widow. Being a 'wife' (γυνή) was a primary social and economic role. The term could carry respect but also reflect patriarchal structures where women had limited legal rights. This contrasts with modern emphasis on individual identity, making biblical commands to 'wives' (e.g., Ephesians 5:22) deeply contextual. Jesus and the New Testament authors often challenged cultural norms by honoring women as disciples and benefactors (Luke 8:1-3, Romans 16:1-2).

θῆλυς (thēlys, G2338) — emphasizes biological sex, 'female,' as in Matthew 19:4. | χήρα (chēra, G5503) — a specific type of woman, 'widow.' | νύμφη (nymphē, G3565) — specifically 'bride' or 'daughter-in-law.' | παρθένος (parthenos, G3933) — 'virgin' or 'unmarried young woman,' highlighting marital status or purity.

Word Details

Scripture References