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.

Genesis 24:14-16

Virginity is important in a bride

Songs 4:12

Virgins were sought as brides

See also

Genesis 24:42-45
Leviticus 21:13-14
Deuteronomy 22:13-19

The word translated "maiden" might also refer to a virgin

Esther 2:2,17
Isaiah 62:5
Ezekiel 44:22
2 Corinthians 11:2

See also

The church presented as a virgin bride

Ephesians 5:25-27
Revelation 19:7-8
Exodus 22:16-17

The loss of virginity before marriage

See also

Of a virgin not pledged in marriage

Deuteronomy 22:28-29
2 Samuel 13:12-16
Deuteronomy 22:20-21

See also

Of a virgin pledged in marriage

Deuteronomy 22:23-24
Deuteronomy 22:25-27
Matthew 1:18-19

Betrothal was as serious a commitment as marriage itself; consorting with another person during this period was tantamount to adultery

Genesis 19:8

See also

Some fathers surrendered their daughters' virginity

Judges 19:24
Psalms 68:25

Particular roles involving virgins

Jeremiah 31:4

Maidens in victory processions

See also

Exodus 15:20-21
Judges 11:34
1 Samuel 18:6
Psalms 45:14

See also

Virgins as bridesmaids

Matthew 25:1
1 Kings 1:1-4

A virgin looked after King David

Numbers 31:17-18

Virginity as a sign of purity and innocence

See also

Virgins were spared after military victories

Judges 21:11-12
Jeremiah 18:13

See also

Israel's virgin purity lost

Jeremiah 31:21-23
Ezekiel 23:3-8
2 Kings 19:21

Virginity as a metaphor for (apparent) inviolability

Isaiah 47:1

pp Isa 37:22

Amos 5:2

Lost opportunities of virgin youthfulness

See also

Judges 11:36-40
Isaiah 23:12
Jeremiah 46:11
Lamentations 1:15-16; 2:13
Joel 1:8
1 Corinthians 7:32-35

Paul's advice about virgins

A virgin is freer to serve God

See also

1 Corinthians 7:25-28

The unmarried have fewer responsibilities and worldly cares and so may offer undivided devotion to God.

1 Corinthians 7:8,37-38

Remaining unmarried is a preferred option

1 Corinthians 7:9

Marriage is the proper outlet for sexual passion

1 Corinthians 7:36

Though Paul urges abstinence, sexual passion is not wrong; however, sexual relationships must be confined to marriage

Matthew 1:20-25

Mary's virginity at Jesus Christ's conception

See also

Isaiah 7:14
Luke 1:27,34-35
Matthew 25:1-13

Parable of the ten virgins

See also

2520 Christ, childhood
3005 Holy Spirit, qualities of
5100 Melchizedek
5659 bride
5737 sisters
6240 rape
6241 seduction
6242 adultery
6243 adultery, spiritual
8204 chastity
8277 innocence
8324 purity