παρθένος (parthenos)
parthenos
virgin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun parthenos refers to a virgin, specifically a woman who has never had sexual intercourse. In the New Testament, it most commonly describes young women in their marriageable years, such as Mary in Luke 1:27 or the ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-7. The term emphasizes physical chastity and social status rather than just moral purity.
While primarily feminine, the word occasionally appears in masculine contexts to describe men who have abstained from sexual immorality, as seen in Revelation 14:4 where it denotes spiritual fidelity. This usage highlights that the core concept is one of exclusive devotion or untouched integrity, whether applied to gender.
The Greek term often translates the Hebrew betulah in the Old Testament, including Isaiah 7:14, which Matthew cites in his Gospel (Matthew 1:23) to identify Jesus’ birth. This connection underscores how the word bridges Jewish prophecy and Christian narrative, marking a significant theological moment where divine promise meets human history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parthenos points to a state of being untouched, yet its meaning stretches far beyond physical status. In the New Testament, it often describes a life set apart for exclusive devotion. When Paul speaks of the church as a pure virgin presented to Christ in 2 Corinthians 11:2, he highlights our spiritual focus on Jesus alone. This imagery invites us to consider where our deepest affections lie.
Jesus also uses this concept in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. Their lamps represent a readiness that comes from sustained relationship with the Bridegroom. Whether we are married or single, the call is to keep our spiritual lights burning bright. This word reminds us that faithfulness is about keeping our hearts clear and focused on Him.
Even when applied to men in Revelation 14:4, the term signifies a life kept free from compromise. It suggests that integrity involves guarding our inner lives with care. We are encouraged to pursue this kind of wholeness, trusting that God values our sincere desire to follow Him without distraction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- virgins5×
- virgin5×
- virgin,2×
- a virgin2×
- pure1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρθένον4×
- παρθένοι4×
- παρθένος2×
- παρθένων1×
- παρθένου1×
- παρθένος,1×
- παρθένον,1×
- παρθένοις1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”
This verse fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy, identifying Jesus’ birth as the fulfillment of divine promise through a virgin.
-
Luke 1:27
to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
It introduces Mary, whose unique role begins with her status as a virgin pledged to Joseph.
-
Matthew 25:1
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
The parable uses ten virgins to illustrate the need for constant spiritual preparedness while waiting for Christ.
-
II Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you in marriage to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Paul uses this term metaphorically to describe the church’s exclusive and pure commitment to Jesus as her one husband.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does parthenos mean in the New Testament?
Is parthenos used for men in the Bible?
How is this word different from other Greek words for purity?
Why is this word important in Matthew 1?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 4 verses
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is,…
Matthew 25:1“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Matthew 25:7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Matthew 25:11Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’