Brief Overview of κοράσιον (Strong’s G2877: korasion)

Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like κοράσιον (korasion) is crucial for grasping the full depth of New Testament narratives and cultural contexts. Korasion is particularly significant because it appears in key moments involving young girls in the Gospels, such as the story of Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead in Matthew 9:24. This term reflects the ancient Greek perspective on youth, gender roles, and social expectations, providing insight into how young girls were perceived and valued in both secular and religious texts.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κοράσιον, transliterated as korasion [koh-RAH-see-on].

Etymology: The term korasion is a diminutive form derived from κόρη (korē), meaning “girl” or “maiden.” The diminutive form emphasizes the young age of the female being referred to, thus meaning “little girl” or “young maiden.”

Part of Speech: Noun. It is a neuter noun in Greek, following the second declension pattern. This grammatical categorization is important for understanding its use in various sentence structures in the New Testament.

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Defining Meanings

1. Little Girl or Young Maiden: The primary meaning of korasion is “little girl” or “young maiden,” specifically used to describe a girl who is not yet of marrying age. It often conveys innocence, youth, and potential.
2. Servant Girl: In some contexts, korasion can also refer to a young female servant or slave, indicating a girl who might be working in a household or under the care of a master.
3. Symbol of Vulnerability and Care: The term is also used metaphorically to symbolize vulnerability, purity, and the need for protection, especially within the context of a patriarchal society.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κόρη (korē) [KOH-ray]: This is the root word for korasion and means “girl” or “maiden.” Unlike korasion, it does not carry the diminutive sense and is more general in its usage.
2. παιδίσκη (paidiskē) [pie-DIS-kay]: This term also refers to a young girl but is often used to denote a young female servant or slave. The connotation is more about service and less about age.
3. νέανις (neanis) [NEH-ah-nis]: Meaning “young woman” or “maiden,” neanis generally refers to a slightly older girl than korasion, often one who is approaching or has reached maturity.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative Singular: κοράσιον
• Genitive Singular: κορασίου
• Dative Singular: κορασίῳ
• Accusative Singular: κοράσιον
• Nominative Plural: κοράσια

Declension: Korasion follows the second declension pattern in Greek, characterized by its endings in the neuter. Here is a declension table for reference:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The term korasion appears in the New Testament to describe young girls, emphasizing their innocence, purity, and often their need for protection or care. In the story of Jairus’s daughter (Matthew 9:24), korasion is used to refer to a 12-year-old girl, underscoring her youth and the deep emotional impact of her death and subsequent resurrection by Jesus. Lexicons note that this term carries implications of vulnerability, dependent on familial and social structures for care and survival. The term’s use extends beyond the biblical narrative to describe young girls in general, often highlighting the societal roles and expectations placed upon them in ancient Greek and Jewish contexts. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 9:24: “He said, ‘Go away; the girl [κοράσιον] is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him.”
2. Mark 5:41: “Taking her by the hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi,’ which means, ‘Little girl [κοράσιον], I say to you, arise.'”
3. Mark 6:22: “And when the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl [κοράσιον], ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word korasion is crucial for understanding several New Testament narratives, particularly those involving young girls. Its use emphasizes innocence, purity, and the societal norms and expectations surrounding youth in ancient Greek and Jewish culture. In biblical contexts, korasion carries deep emotional and theological significance, portraying moments of healing, protection, and divine intervention.

Did You Know?

1. In Greek culture, korasion was often used to emphasize both affection and vulnerability, highlighting the protective responsibilities of parents.
2. The term appears in the famous story of Herod’s banquet, where Herodias’s daughter dances and prompts the beheading of John the Baptist, showing its use in a variety of narrative contexts.
3. In the Septuagint, korasion is used in contexts that highlight cultural practices concerning daughters and their relationships to their families and communities.