θυγάτηρ

a daughter

Definition

The Greek word θυγάτηρ primarily means 'daughter,' referring to a female child in relation to her parents, as seen in Matthew 9:18 when a ruler asks Jesus to heal his daughter. It can also extend metaphorically to mean a female descendant or a woman belonging to a particular group or city, such as the 'daughter of Zion' in Matthew 21:5, which refers to the people of Jerusalem. In some Hebraic-influenced contexts, it is used more broadly for any young woman, as in the address 'my daughter' to the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:22, showing a term of endearment or respect.

Biblical Usage

θυγάτηρ is used 28 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels, especially Matthew (8 times) and Luke. It often appears in narratives of healing and family relationships, highlighting Jesus' compassion and the breaking of social barriers. For example, it is used in stories of miraculous healing (Matthew 9:18-22, 15:22-28) and in teachings about discipleship and family loyalty (Matthew 10:35, 10:37). The usage reflects both literal family ties and symbolic, communal identities.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek θυγάτηρ, meaning 'daughter,' this word has Indo-European roots shared with Sanskrit 'duhitṛ' and Old English 'dohtor,' indicating a long-standing linguistic concept for a female child. In the New Testament, it retains its core meaning while sometimes adopting Hebraic nuances from the Septuagint, where it could denote female inhabitants of a city or nation.

Semantic Range

θυγάτηρ is theologically significant as it illustrates Jesus' inclusive ministry, where he heals and honors women and girls, such as the daughter of the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28), challenging social norms and demonstrating faith's power. It also connects to Old Testament imagery, like 'daughter of Zion,' pointing to God's covenantal relationship with His people. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing how the New Testament affirms the value of women in God's kingdom.

In first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman culture, daughters often had limited social status and were dependent on male relatives. Jesus' interactions with daughters, as in healing narratives, subverted these norms by publicly affirming their worth and faith. The term could also carry communal connotations, as in 'daughter of Jerusalem,' reflecting a collective identity tied to a city or people, which differs from modern individualistic understandings.

τέκνον (teknon, G5043) — a more general term for 'child' without specifying gender, emphasizing relationship or offspring. παῖς (pais, G3816) — can mean 'child' or 'servant,' sometimes used for a daughter in contexts of healing or youth. κόρη (korē, G2877) — a poetic or less common term for 'girl' or 'daughter,' not used in the New Testament.

Word Details

Scripture References