G3814

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παιδίσκη (paidiskē) translates to “young girl” or “maid,” typically referring to a young woman or a female child in her early teens. The term carries connotations of youthfulness and often innocence, highlighting the social roles and expectations of young women in ancient Greek society. In biblical texts, such as Matthew 26:69, the term is used to describe a servant girl, showcasing the vulnerability and social position of young women in the context of the narrative. The usage of this word also opens discussions about gender roles, societal expectations, and the treatment of women in the ancient world, making it a significant term in understanding both historical and theological contexts.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: παιδίσκη, pronounced [pai-DIS-kay].

Etymology: The word is derived from the root παῖς (pais), meaning “child” or “boy.” The diminutive suffix -ίσκη (-iskē) indicates a smaller or younger form, thus referring to a young female.

Part of Speech: παιδίσκη is a noun and is classified as feminine in gender. It is often used in the context of social roles, particularly as a servant or young maiden.

Defining Meanings

Young Girl: The primary meaning of παιδίσκη is “young girl,” emphasizing her youth and often innocence in comparison to older women.

Maid/Servant: In many biblical contexts, it can refer to a maid or servant girl, illustrating the social hierarchy and domestic roles prevalent in the society of the time.

Diminutive of Female Child: The term can also connote a sense of endearment, depicting a female child in a tender manner, suggesting affection or care.

Exploring Similar Words

παῖς (pais) [pais]: This word means “child” and can refer to both boys and girls, making it broader than παιδίσκη, which specifically denotes a young female.

παιδίσκος (paidiskos) [pai-DIS-kos]: This term also denotes a young boy or youth but lacks the specific feminine connotation of παιδίσκη.

παρθένος (parthenos) [par-THEH-nos]: This word translates to “virgin” and refers to an unmarried young woman, often emphasizing purity and moral integrity, differing from παιδίσκη, which focuses on age.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

• Case, Number, Gender: παιδίσκη is typically used in the nominative case, singular number, and feminine gender.

• Declension: It follows the first declension pattern, which includes nouns that end in -η in the nominative singular.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In Greek lexicons, παιδίσκη is understood within the context of social roles assigned to young women. It highlights their positions in society and their relationships with adults, particularly in domestic settings. Theological discussions around this word often explore themes of vulnerability and innocence, especially when referencing young women in the New Testament narratives. In Ephesians and other Pauline texts, the role of young women is contextualized within broader discussions of morality and ethics.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 26:69: “Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl [παιδίσκη] came up to him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus the Galilean.’”

Mark 14:66: “And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls [παιδίσκη] of the high priest came.”

Luke 22:56: “But a servant girl [παιδίσκη], seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, ‘This man also was with him.’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Xenophon, Anabasis: “The young maid [παιδίσκη] was tasked with gathering water for the camp.”

Example 2: Plato, The Republic: “Education for the young girl [παιδίσκη] must begin early to cultivate virtue.”

Example 3: Aristophanes, Lysistrata: “The maid [παιδίσκη] witnessed the turmoil of the city.”

Septuagint Example 1: Genesis 24:14: “Let the young woman [παιδίσκη] to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac.”

Septuagint Example 2: Exodus 2:5: “And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, and her maidens [παιδίσκη] walked along by the riverside.”

Septuagint Example 3: 1 Samuel 1:11: “And she vowed a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me, and not forget your servant [παιδίσκη]…’”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παιδίσκη serves as a poignant reminder of the roles and treatment of young women in biblical and classical literature, highlighting their innocence and the societal expectations placed upon them.

Did You Know?

1. The word παιδίσκη not only denotes youth but also reflects the limited social roles available to women in ancient Greece and the early Christian context.

2. In many ancient texts, παιδίσκη is depicted as both a figure of innocence and a participant in significant historical and social events.

3. The use of παιδίσκη in the New Testament underscores the importance of listening to the voices of the young and vulnerable within spiritual narratives.

Strong’s G3814: παιδίσκη (paidiskē) refers to a “young girl” or “maid,” emphasizing the roles of youth and innocence in ancient societal structures and biblical narratives.