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Matthew 1:23

Footnote:

6a

The Maiden

Strongs #G3933, παρθένος parthenos. The term "παρθένος" (parthenos) in ancient Greek primarily refers to a maiden or a virgin, and it carries multiple connotations depending on the context in which it is used. Here's a breakdown of its meanings and usage:

  1. Basic Definition:

    • Maiden, Girl: Refers to an unmarried young woman, often implying virginity. This usage is common in various texts, such as Homer's "Iliad" (Il. 22.127), Sophocles' "Oedipus Tyrannus" (S. OT 1462), and Aristophanes' "Equites" (Ar. Eq. 1302).
    • Virgin: Specifically denotes a virgin, distinguishing her from a married woman (γυνή). This can be seen in Euripides' "Troades" (E. Tr. 148) and Theocritus (Theoc. 27.65).

  2. Unmarried Women Who Are Not Virgins:

    • There are instances where "παρθένος" refers to unmarried women regardless of their virginity status, as seen in Homer (Il. 2.514), Pindar (Pi. P. 3.34), Sophocles (S. Tr. 1219), and Aristophanes (Ar. Nu. 530).

  3. As a Title for Deities:

    • Athena: Often called "Παρθένος" as the Virgin Goddess, particularly at Athens (Paus. 5.11.10, 10.34.8).
    • Artemis: Also referred to as "Παρθένος" (E. Hipp. 17).
    • Iphigenia: Called "Παρθένος" in the context of her association with the Tauric rites (Hdt. 4.103).
    • Vestal Virgins: The term "αἱ ἱεραὶ π." refers to the Vestal Virgins in ancient Rome (D.H. 1.69, Plu. Util. 2.89e).
    • Unnamed Goddess: Sometimes used for an unnamed goddess in inscriptions (SIG 46.3).

  4. Astronomical Reference:

    • Constellation Virgo: "παρθένος" is used to denote the constellation Virgo (Eudox. ap. Hipparch. 1.2.5, Arat. 97).

  5. Metaphorical and Extended Uses:

    • Pupil of the Eye: In some contexts, "κόρη" can mean pupil, and "παρθένος" can metaphorically extend to this meaning (X. ap. Longin. 4.4, Aret. SD 1.7).
    • Chaste: As an adjective, it can describe something pure or chaste, such as a "maiden soul" (E. Hipp. 1006), or a metaphorical "virgin spring" (A. Pers. 613).
    • Parthenon: The term "παρθένος" (parthenos) is also related to the word "Parthenon." The Parthenon, a famous ancient temple on the Acropolis of Athens, was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, which means "Athena the Virgin."

In summary, "παρθένος" has a broad range of meanings primarily centered around the concepts of maidenhood and virginity, but it can also extend metaphorically and contextually to various other interpretations.