Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5740 virgin

5740 virgin

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

1 Kings 1:1-4

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

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

Matthew 25:1-13