Brief Overview of παρθενία (Strong’s G3932: parthenia)

Strong’s G3932: A noun derived from παρθένος (virgin), meaning “virginity” or “maidenhood.” Used in Luke 2:36 to describe Anna’s marriage following her virginity. Reflects the cultural and religious significance of virginity in both Jewish and early Christian contexts, particularly regarding purity and dedication.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρθενία represents both physical virginity and the state of unmarried purity. In its sole New Testament usage, it appears in Luke’s description of the prophetess Anna, emphasizing her transition from virginity to marriage. The term carries deep cultural and religious significance, representing not only physical status but spiritual dedication. Early church fathers expanded its usage to discuss both literal virginity and spiritual purity. Today, it continues to inform discussions about purity, consecration, and devotion to God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρθενία, parthenia, /par-then-EE-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + then + EE (stressed) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρθένος (parthenos): virgin
• -ία (-ia): abstract noun ending forming state or condition

D – Defining Meanings

• Virginity
• State of maidenhood
• Unmarried purity

Translation Options:

• “Virginity” – emphasizes physical state
• “Maidenhood” – captures cultural status
• “Virgin state” – combines physical and social aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἁγνεία (hagneia) /hag-NI-ah/ – purity, broader moral purity
• σωφροσύνη (sōphrosynē) /so-fro-SY-nay/ – self-control, including sexual purity
• παρθένος (parthenos) /PAR-then-os/ – virgin, the person rather than state

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παρθενία exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
παρθενία (nom.)
παρθενίας (gen.)
παρθενίᾳ (dat.)
παρθενίαν (acc.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its social and religious significance. Thayer’s notes its connection to purity. LSJ documents extensive cultural usage. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Moulton and Milligan note its legal usage in marriage documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from her [παρθενία] virginity” (Luke 2:36)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρθενία represents both physical virginity and spiritual purity, carrying significant cultural and religious meaning in contexts of dedication and transition to marriage.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was important in both religious and legal documents
• It influenced early Christian teachings on consecration
• The word appears in ancient temple dedication records

[Lexicon Summary]
A noun derived from παρθένος (virgin), meaning “virginity” or “maidenhood.” Used in Luke 2:36 to describe Anna’s marriage following her virginity. Reflects the cultural and religious significance of virginity in both Jewish and early Christian contexts, particularly regarding purity and dedication.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #virginity #purity #luke #marriage #dedication #biblical_greek #new_testament #women #consecration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​