נַעֲרָה

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

Definition

נַעֲרָה (naʻărâh) primarily refers to a young, unmarried woman, typically from adolescence to early adulthood. It often describes a girl of marriageable age, as seen with Rebekah in Genesis 24, where she is called a naʻărâh who is a virgin (Genesis 24:16). The term can also denote a female servant or attendant, such as the young women who accompany Rebekah (Genesis 24:61). In some contexts, it simply indicates youth, as with Dinah in Genesis 34:3, where she is called a naʻărâh, highlighting her vulnerable status.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 57 times, predominantly in narrative books like Genesis, Exodus, and Judges. It is frequently used in stories involving marriage, service, or vulnerability. Key examples include Rebekah's identification as a naʻărâh (Genesis 24:14, 16, 28), which sets the stage for her betrothal to Isaac. In Exodus 2:5, Pharaoh's daughter's attendants are called naʻărâh, indicating their role as servants. The term often carries connotations of youth and social status, whether in domestic settings or pivotal life events.

Etymology

נַעֲרâh is the feminine form of the masculine noun נַעַר (naʻar, H5288), meaning 'boy, youth, or servant.' Both derive from a root suggesting 'to shake' or 'be shaken,' possibly alluding to the vigor or restlessness of youth. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic and Aramaic, share similar meanings for youth or servant, indicating a common cultural understanding of this life stage.

Semantic Range

This word matters theologically as it often highlights God's providence in the lives of young women, such as Rebekah, whose story underscores divine guidance in marriage and covenant lineage (Genesis 24). It also touches on themes of purity, as in laws regarding virginity (e.g., Deuteronomy 22:15-19), and vulnerability, calling for ethical treatment. Understanding naʻărâh enriches reading by revealing how biblical narratives value and protect youth within God's redemptive plan.

In ancient Israelite culture, a naʻărâh was typically an unmarried female who had reached puberty but was not yet established as a wife or mother, often living under her father's authority. This stage was crucial for betrothal and marriage arrangements, as seen with Rebekah. Unlike modern broad terms like 'girl,' naʻărâh specifically implied a social and sexual status, with expectations of virginity and readiness for marriage or domestic service, reflecting the patriarchal structure of the time.

בְּתוּלָה (bethulah, H1330) — emphasizes virginity specifically, often used in legal or ceremonial contexts. אִשָּׁה (ishshah, H802) — means 'woman' or 'wife,' denoting adult female status, regardless of age. שִׁפְחָה (shiphchah, H8198) — refers to a female servant or slave, often with a focus on servitude rather than age.

Word Details

Scripture References