Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5740 virgin Generally a young person, especially a female, who has not had sexual intercourse. Virginity is an important quality in a bride, and its surrender or violation prior to marriage is sternly condemned. In the miracle of the incarnation, Mary was still a virgin when Jesus Christ was conceived. Virginity is also used metaphorically to denote purity and innocence. Virginity is important in a bride Virgins were sought as brides Genesis 24:14-16; Songs 4:12 See also Genesis 24:42-45 The word translated “maiden” might also refer to a virgin; Leviticus 21:13-14; Deuteronomy 22:13-19; Esther 2:2,17; Isaiah 62:5; Ezekiel 44:22 The church presented as a virgin bride 2 Corinthians 11:2 See also Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-8 The loss of virginity before marriage Of a virgin not pledged in marriage Exodus 22:16-17 See also Deuteronomy 22:28-29; 2 Samuel 13:12-16 Of a virgin pledged in marriage Deuteronomy 22:20-21 See also Deuteronomy 22:23-24 Betrothal was as serious a commitment as marriage itself; consorting with another person during this period was tantamount to adultery; Deuteronomy 22:25-27; Matthew 1:18-19 Some fathers surrendered their daughters' virginity Genesis 19:8 See also Judges 19:24 Particular roles involving virgins Maidens in victory processions Psalm 68:25; Jeremiah 31:4 See also Exodus 15:20-21; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6 Virgins as bridesmaids Psalm 45:14 See also Matthew 25:1 A virgin looked after King David Virginity as a sign of purity and innocence Virgins were spared after military victories Numbers 31:17-18 See also Judges 21:11-12 Israel's virgin purity lost Jeremiah 18:13 See also Jeremiah 31:21-23; Ezekiel 23:3-8 Virginity as a metaphor for (apparent) inviolability 2 Kings 19:21 pp Isaiah 37:22; Isaiah 47:1 Lost opportunities of virgin youthfulness Amos 5:2 See also Judges 11:36-40; Isaiah 23:12; Jeremiah 46:11; Lamentations 1:15-16; Lamentations 2:13; Joel 1:8 Paul's advice about virgins A virgin is freer to serve God 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 The unmarried have fewer responsibilities and worldly cares and so may offer undivided devotion to God. See also 1 Corinthians 7:25-28 Remaining unmarried is a preferred option 1 Corinthians 7:8,37-38 Marriage is the proper outlet for sexual passion 1 Corinthians 7:9 Though Paul urges abstinence, sexual passion is not wrong; however, sexual relationships must be confined to marriage; 1 Corinthians 7:36 Mary's virginity at Jesus Christ's conception Matthew 1:20-25 See also Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27,34-35 Parable of the ten virgins See also
2515 Christ, birth of |
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