Original Word: יַלְדָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: yaldah
Pronunciation: yal-DAH
Phonetic Spelling: (yal-daw')
KJV: damsel, girl
NASB: girl, girls, young girl
Word Origin: [feminine of H3206 (יֶלֶד - child)]

1. a lass

damsel, girl

Feminine of yeled; a lass -- damsel, girl.

see HEBREW yeled

Word Origin
fem. of yeled
Definition
girl, maiden
NASB Translation
girl (1), girls (1), young girl (1).

יַלְדָּה noun feminine girl, damsel; — absolute יִלְדָּה Genesis 34:4; Joel 4:3; וִילָדוֺת Zechariah 8:5; — marriageable girl: of Dinah, daughter of Jacob Genesis 34:4; opposed to יֶלֶד Zechariah 8:5; Joel 4:3.

Conceptual Overview

The term יַלְדָּה denotes a female child, highlighting youthfulness, dependence, and the promise of future generations. Scripture employs the word to portray innocence under threat, commodification under judgment, and carefree security under divine blessing.

Canonical Distribution

1. Genesis 34:4 – a patriarchal narrative involving Shechem’s demand for Dinah.
2. Joel 3:3 – a prophetic oracle condemning nations that dehumanize Israel’s children.
3. Zechariah 8:5 – an eschatological vision of Jerusalem’s restored peace.

Contextual Insights

Genesis 34 places the יַלְדָּה at the center of ethical turmoil, reminding readers that covenant families must guard the vulnerable. Joel 3:3 juxtaposes yaldah with a boy (נַעַר), illustrating comprehensive exploitation. Zechariah 8:5 depicts the same demographic enjoying public safety, signifying that genuine restoration reverses prior abuses.

Ethical and Theological Implications

• Human dignity: Girls, equally with boys, bear God’s image and are never mere property (Genesis 1:27).
• Divine justice: Joel’s indictment assures that societies that traffic children face judgment (Joel 3:3–7).
• Kingdom peace: The protected play of Zechariah 8:5 previews the Messianic age when “the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there”.

Prophetic and Eschatological Resonance

The movement from Genesis’s violation to Joel’s litigation to Zechariah’s restoration mirrors the biblical metanarrative—creation, fall, redemption. Jesus’ later affirmation, “Let the little children come to Me” (Matthew 19:14), aligns with Zechariah’s vision, underscoring that the kingdom welcomes and safeguards children.

Implications for Ministry Today

• Child protection is not optional; it is a covenant responsibility grounded in God’s revealed concern.
• Outreach that rescues or educates girls participates in fulfilling prophetic hope.
• Teaching on purity and justice should include Genesis 34 and Joel 3 to warn against cultural patterns that objectify the young.

Practical Applications

1. Intercession: Pray Zechariah 8:5 over congregations and cities.
2. Advocacy: Support initiatives combating child trafficking, echoing Joel’s denunciation.
3. Discipleship: Model family and church practices that honor and listen to the youngest members, reflecting the heart of Christ and the prophetic promise of secure streets.

הַיַּלְדָּ֥ה הילדה וְהַיַּלְדָּ֛ה וִֽילָד֑וֹת והילדה וילדות haiyalDah hay·yal·dāh hayyaldāh vehaiyalDah vilaDot wə·hay·yal·dāh wəhayyaldāh wî·lā·ḏō·wṯ wîlāḏōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts