Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for grasping the full meaning and cultural context of New Testament texts. The Greek word θῆλυς (thēlys) is particularly significant because it refers to the concept of “female” or “feminine,” touching on themes related to gender and identity in both ancient Greek culture and biblical narratives. This word plays a crucial role in interpreting passages that discuss gender roles, creation, and societal norms, providing insight into the ancient world’s perspective on femininity.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θῆλυς (thēlys) [THAY-lus]
• Etymology: The root of θῆλυς is connected to ancient Indo-European languages, with links to the concept of fertility and growth. It is related to the Sanskrit word dhenu meaning “cow” (an important symbol of fertility) and the Latin femina meaning “woman.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; used to describe the feminine gender or qualities related to being female.
• Grammatical Details: Third declension adjective with different forms for masculine, feminine, and neuter.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Female: Referring to a person or animal of the feminine gender.
• Feminine: Pertaining to qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with women.

Similar Words: γυνή (gynē) [goo-NAY] is another Greek word meaning “woman” or “wife.” While γυνή specifically refers to an adult female human, θῆλυς is a broader term that can describe anything female, including animals or characteristics. ἄρρην (arrhēn) [AR-rayn], on the other hand, is the opposite of θῆλυς and means “male.” Both terms, θῆλυς and ἄρρην, are often used together to describe the two biological sexes.

Further Insights: As a third declension adjective, θῆλυς has different endings depending on gender, case, and number. This flexibility allows it to be used with various nouns, modifying them to indicate feminine qualities. The declension of θῆλυς is as follows:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: θῆλυς is defined as “female” or “feminine,” often used in contrast with ἄρρην (“male”) to distinguish between the sexes in a biological or cultural sense. BDAG notes its appearances in biblical texts, where it is used to describe both humans and animals, emphasizing natural and created distinctions.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θῆλυς as an adjective meaning “female,” commonly employed in contexts where gender differentiation is important. It highlights that the term is used not only for people but also for animals, signifying a broader application in Greek literature.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s focuses on the word’s use in the New Testament, particularly in passages that discuss gender roles and creation. The dictionary emphasizes that θῆλυς is used to underline the created order, especially in contrast with ἄρρην (“male”).
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a comprehensive overview of θῆλυς, from its basic meaning of “female” to its use in philosophical and medical texts where gender characteristics are discussed. It also covers metaphorical uses, where θῆλυς can imply softness or delicacy, characteristics traditionally associated with femininity.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2338. Strong’s defines θῆλυς simply as “female,” highlighting its use in various New Testament contexts, particularly where distinctions between male and female are emphasized. The concordance provides references to its occurrences in both the Septuagint and the New Testament.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 19:4: “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female (θῆλυς),”
• Mark 10:6: “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female (θῆλυς).”
• Romans 1:26: “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature (θῆλεις).”

Classical Usage

Summary of θῆλυς (G2338)

The Greek adjective θῆλυς (thēlys) means “female” or “feminine” and is used to describe the biological sex or characteristics of a person, animal, or thing. It appears in both biblical and classical Greek texts to emphasize the distinction between male and female, often in contexts related to creation, nature, and social roles. Understanding θῆλυς provides deeper insight into the cultural, social, and theological perspectives of gender in ancient Greek and Judeo-Christian contexts.

Did You Know?

The Greek word θῆλυς is related to the English word “feminine.” This etymological link underscores the continuity of language and culture across millennia, showing how ancient concepts of gender and identity continue to influence modern thought and language. The word also forms the basis for terms like θηλυκός (thēlykos), meaning “effeminate,” further expanding its usage in describing characteristics traditionally associated with women.