Brief Overview of Δάμαλις (G1151: Damalis)

Damalis (pronounced DAH-mah-lis, δάμαλις) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1151. The word Damalis is derived from the root δάμαρ (damar), which generally means “wife” or “tame.” Damalis specifically refers to a “heifer,” which is a young female cow that has not borne a calf. The term Damalis is often used in contexts related to agriculture, particularly in reference to cattle.

In ancient Greek and biblical contexts, Damalis primarily refers to a young cow, particularly one that is considered tame or domesticated. The word carries connotations of gentleness and domestication, as the heifer is an animal that is typically raised for agricultural purposes. In some literary contexts, Damalis could also be used metaphorically to describe a young woman, drawing on the characteristics associated with a heifer, such as innocence or gentleness.

Scripture References

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Damalis does not appear directly in the New Testament or the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), which is why there are no specific verses in the Bible where this exact word is used. The concept of a heifer, however, is present in various scriptures where cattle and sacrificial animals are mentioned, though these typically use different Greek or Hebrew terms.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Damalis is defined simply as “a heifer,” emphasizing its use as a term for a young female cow. BDAG notes that the term is straightforward in its meaning, primarily used in contexts where the animal’s age and gender are relevant. The lexicon highlights that while Damalis itself does not appear in the New Testament, its usage in ancient Greek literature is well-documented, often in agricultural settings.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Damalis as “a heifer,” stressing the word’s connection to domestic cattle. Thayer’s points out that the term is specific to a young female cow that has not yet given birth, which distinguishes it from other terms for cattle. The lexicon suggests that Damalis could be used metaphorically in literature to describe a young woman, drawing on the gentle and domesticated nature of the heifer.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a similar definition, describing Damalis as “a heifer,” with an emphasis on its agricultural usage. LSJ highlights that the term was commonly used in classical Greek literature, particularly in pastoral poetry and other genres that focused on rural life and the natural world. The lexicon notes that Damalis was sometimes used in a figurative sense, similar to how animals are often used as metaphors in literature.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Damalis as “a heifer,” focusing on its literal meaning as a young female cow. The concordance does not provide extensive commentary on the term, given its absence from biblical texts, but it acknowledges its usage in Greek literature and its straightforward agricultural connotations.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Damalis appears in various classical Greek texts, particularly in contexts related to agriculture and pastoral life.

1. Theocritus, in his pastoral poetry, often uses Damalis to describe the gentle and domesticated nature of cattle. Theocritus’ works frequently feature rural settings, where the heifer is a symbol of pastoral beauty and simplicity.
2. Homer, in the “Iliad,” uses Damalis metaphorically to describe a young woman, emphasizing qualities such as innocence and gentleness. This usage reflects the broader Greek literary tradition of using animal imagery to convey human characteristics.
3. Herodotus mentions Damalis in his “Histories,” particularly in the context of sacrificial practices. The heifer is described as a valuable and important animal in religious ceremonies, highlighting its significance in ancient Greek culture.

Summary

Damalis (pronounced DAH-mah-lis, δάμαλις) is a Greek noun meaning “heifer,” derived from the root δάμαρ (damar). The term refers specifically to a young female cow that has not borne a calf and is often associated with gentleness and domestication. Although Damalis does not appear directly in the New Testament or the Septuagint, it is well-documented in classical Greek literature, where it is used both literally and metaphorically. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the agricultural connotations of Damalis, highlighting its role in pastoral poetry and other genres that focus on rural life. The term is sometimes used figuratively to describe young women, drawing on the characteristics associated with a heifer. Overall, Damalis is a term deeply rooted in the agricultural and cultural practices of ancient Greece, symbolizing both the beauty of rural life and the gentleness of domesticated animals.