Lexical Summary almah: Young woman, maiden Original Word: עַלְמָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance damsel, maid, virgin Feminine of elem; a lass (as veiled or private) -- damsel, maid, virgin. see HEBREW elem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of elem Definition a young woman, a virgin NASB Translation girl (1), maid (1), maiden (1), maidens (3), virgin (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַלְמָה noun feminine young woman (ripe sexually; maid or newly married); — ׳ע Genesis 24:43 (J), Exodus 2:8 (E), Proverbs 30:19; Isaiah 7:14; plural עֲלָמוֺת Psalm 68:26; Songs 1:3; Songs 6:8; עַלעֲֿלָמוֺת to (the voice of) young women, either literally, or of soprano or falsetto of boys: 1 Chronicles 15:20; Psalm 9:1 (read עַלעֲֿלָמוֺת לַבֵּן [for עַלמֿוּת לַבֵּן], 'voce virginea a pueris decantandum,' Thes), Psalm 46:1; Psalm 48:15 (read עַלעֲֿלָמוֺת [for עַלמֿוּת]; translated probably to Psalm 49:1). Topical Lexicon Essence of the Term in Biblical Theology עַלְמָה describes a young woman whose moral purity and potential for marriage are assumed by the context. Scripture consistently presents such women as instruments of blessing, symbols of covenant faithfulness, and—ultimately—foreshadows of the Messiah’s advent. Usage in the Patriarchal Narrative – Genesis 24:43 Rebekah’s appearance as the “maiden” whom Abraham’s servant meets at the well secures the promised lineage of Isaac. “Now if a maiden comes out to draw water…” (Genesis 24:43). Her ready hospitality identifies her as God’s chosen bride, illustrating how purity and servant-heartedness align with divine election. Deliverance Motif in Exodus – Exodus 2:8 Miriam, called “the girl,” bravely approaches Pharaoh’s daughter to arrange Moses’ nursing. Though young, she acts in mature faith, showing that even the untitled and unseen can become strategic agents of God’s redemptive plan. The safeguarding of Moses anticipates a greater Deliverer who would also be protected in infancy. Worship and Procession – Psalm 68:25 “The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.” The participation of עֲלָמוֹת in temple procession signals the inclusion of successive generations in corporate praise. Purity, joy, and rhythmic celebration come together, illuminating God’s desire for wholehearted worship from every demographic. Wisdom Observations – Proverbs 30:19 The sage lists “the way of a man with a maiden” among life’s untraceable wonders. Courtship, when grounded in covenant honor, retains a mysterious beauty that defies complete human analysis, reminding readers that marriage, like creation itself, is ultimately God’s design. Song of Songs and Covenant Love – Song of Songs 1:3; 6:8 “Your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.” Royal imagery sets the groom apart, while countless maidens stand in awe. In 6:8 the abundance of queens, concubines, and maidens underscores the groom’s intentional choice of a singular beloved, mirroring Christ’s exclusive love for His bride, the Church. The Prophetic Signpost – Isaiah 7:14 “Behold, the virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call Him Immanuel.” The promised sign to the house of David rests on the extraordinary conception of a virgin. Matthew 1:22-23 cites this verse, confirming its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The term עַלְמָה, ordinary elsewhere, becomes extraordinary here by divine decree, emphasizing both the miracle of the incarnation and the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. Intercanonical Continuity From Rebekah’s well to Mary’s womb, the appearances of עַלְמָה form a thematic thread: God employs pure, available young women at critical junctures to advance salvation history. Each occurrence prepares readers for the climactic moment when a virgin conceives by the Holy Spirit, delivering Immanuel—“God with us.” Pastoral and Missional Reflections • Encourage younger believers to recognize their strategic importance in God’s purposes, as exemplified by Miriam and the maidens of Psalm 68. Summary עַלְמָה showcases purity poised for purpose. Whether preserving a patriarchal line, rescuing an infant savior, adorning worship, highlighting the wonder of romance, or heralding the incarnation, each occurrence reinforces God’s sovereign orchestration of history through ordinary yet consecrated lives. Forms and Transliterations בְּעַלְמָֽה׃ בעלמה׃ הָֽעַלְמָ֔ה הָֽעַלְמָה֙ הָעַלְמָ֗ה העלמה וַעֲלָמ֖וֹת ועלמות עֲ֝לָמ֗וֹת עֲלָמ֥וֹת עלמות ‘ă·lā·mō·wṯ ‘ălāmōwṯ alaMot bə‘almāh bə·‘al·māh bealMah hā‘almāh hā·‘al·māh haalMah vaalaMot wa‘ălāmōwṯ wa·‘ă·lā·mō·wṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 24:43 HEB: הַמָּ֑יִם וְהָיָ֤ה הָֽעַלְמָה֙ הַיֹּצֵ֣את לִשְׁאֹ֔ב NAS: by the spring, and may it be that the maiden who comes KJV: of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth INT: water become the maiden comes to draw Exodus 2:8 Psalm 68:25 Proverbs 30:19 Songs 1:3 Songs 6:8 Isaiah 7:14 7 Occurrences |
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