δάμαλις (damalis)
damalis
heifer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun damalis refers specifically to a heifer, or a young female cow that has not yet calved. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Hebrews 9:13, where it serves as the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew terms used in the Old Testament law regarding ritual purification.
The author of Hebrews uses this specific term to draw a sharp contrast between the old covenant sacrifices and the work of Christ. By noting that the blood of a heifer sprinkled on those defiled by sin resulted only in external ceremonial cleansing, the text highlights the superior power of Christ’s own blood to cleanse the conscience from dead works.
This single occurrence anchors the word in the context of the Mosaic purification rites. The choice of damalis over more general terms for cattle underscores the precise nature of the sacrifice described, reminding readers that even the most detailed rituals of the past were temporary measures pointing toward a greater reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word damalis refers specifically to a young female cow that has not yet given birth. In Hebrews 9:13, it appears in a description of Old Testament purification rituals. The author uses this precise term to highlight the difference between ancient ceremonial washing and the spiritual cleansing offered through Christ.
While the ashes of a heifer could clean a person's body for religious duties, they could not change the heart or conscience. This distinction helps us see how much greater the new covenant is. The old rituals were temporary steps pointing toward a permanent solution.
Christ’s sacrifice deals with the root of sin rather than just its outward signs. This gives us confidence that our faith rests on something complete and sufficient, not on repeated external measures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of a heifer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δαμάλεως1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 9:13
For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh,
This verse uses damalis to specify the exact animal required for ritual cleansing, setting up a direct comparison with the superior nature of Christ's blood.