παρθενία

virginity

Definition

παρθενία (parthenia) specifically means the state or condition of being a virgin, referring to a person who has never engaged in sexual intercourse. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in a literal, physical sense to denote virginity. The sole biblical occurrence is in Luke 2:36, where it describes the prophetess Anna's lifelong state of virginity following her early widowhood. Unlike some related terms, it does not carry extended metaphorical meanings (like spiritual purity) in the biblical text, focusing strictly on the physical fact.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 2:36. It describes the lifelong virginity of Anna, a prophetess in the temple, after being widowed only seven years into her marriage. The usage is straightforward and historical, providing a biographical detail about her devout life of service. There are no other contextual patterns, as it appears in this single, narrative instance.

Etymology

Derived directly from the Greek noun παρθένος (parthenos, G3933), meaning 'a virgin' (male or female). The suffix -ία (-ia) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition. Thus, παρθενία literally means 'the state of being a παρθένος.' It is a straightforward derivation without complex semantic development in biblical Greek.

Semantic Range

While the concept of virginity is theologically significant in Scripture (e.g., the Virgin Birth in Matthew 1:23), the specific word παρθενία itself is not a major doctrinal term. Its single use provides a historical detail about Anna's devout life, which exemplified singular devotion and service in the temple. Understanding it clarifies that her prophetic ministry was marked by a unique, lifelong commitment, but the word does not itself convey a developed theological concept.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, virginity, especially female virginity before marriage, was highly valued as a social and economic asset, tied to family honor and marital contracts. Anna's lifelong virginity after widowhood (Luke 2:36) was unusual and would have been seen as a remarkable, voluntary act of devotion, likely signaling her complete dedication to God's service in the temple. This differs from modern individualistic perspectives, where such a state is less culturally prescribed or noted.

παρθένος (parthenos, G3933) — The person (a virgin), not the abstract state. Used for both men and women, and famously applied metaphorically to the church (2 Corinthians 11:2).

Word Details

Scripture References