יַלְדָּה (yal.dah)
yal.dah
maiden
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yaldah refers to a young woman, specifically one who is marriageable or in the prime of youth. Unlike terms for older women or mothers, this word highlights the stage of life between childhood and full adulthood, often implying readiness for marriage. It appears sparingly in the Bible, with its most notable occurrences found in Genesis and Zechariah.
In Genesis 24:55, Rebekah is described as a yaldah when she agrees to leave her family to marry Isaac, illustrating the word’s connection to the transition into married life. Similarly, in Zechariah 6:10, it appears in a list of young men and maidens bringing offerings, suggesting a role for unmarried women in communal worship or service. The term carries a sense of vitality and potential, marking a distinct phase in a woman’s social and familial identity.
Translators typically render yaldah as "maiden" or "young woman," capturing both her age and her social status. While the word itself is simple, its context often reveals important details about family structure, marriage customs, and the roles of women in ancient Israelite society. Its limited use underscores the significance of these specific biblical moments where young women play a pivotal role in God’s narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yaldah points to a specific season of life, marking the transition from childhood into the responsibilities and joys of young adulthood. In ancient Israel, this stage was often associated with readiness for marriage and family, yet it also carried a sense of vitality and potential that belongs to every believer. Whether you are in your youth or looking back on those formative years, this term reminds us that God values each phase of life and has a purpose for the energy and hope found in young hearts.
When we see Rebekah described as a yaldah in Genesis 34:4, we witness a moment of significant decision. Her willingness to leave her family and step into a new chapter shows how young women were active participants in God’s unfolding plan. This is not just about age; it is about the courage to trust God when life changes direction. It invites us to see our own seasons of growth as opportunities to align our lives with His will.
In Zechariah 8:5, the vision of boys and girls playing in the streets paints a picture of peace and restoration. The presence of yaldah here suggests that even in times of rebuilding and uncertainty, the future remains bright. These young ones represent the continuation of life and community. For us, this offers comfort that God cares about the next generation and is working to bring wholeness to our families and societies.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ girl1×
- and/ girls1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וִֽ/ילָד֑וֹת1×
- הַ/יַּלְדָּ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 34:4
Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, saying, “Get me this young lady as a wife.”
This verse uses yaldah to describe Rebekah, highlighting her status as a young woman at a critical moment of transition and decision in her life.
-
Zechariah 8:5
The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.”
Here, the term appears in a prophetic vision of peace, where the presence of girls playing signifies the restoration and future hope of the community.