עַלְמָה (al.mah)

The Hebrew noun almah refers to a young woman of marriageable age, typically understood as a virgin or maiden. In the Old Testament, this term appears six times, most notably in the Song of Solomon and Proverbs, where it describes women in the prime of youth. It carries the sense of a girl who has reached maturity but remains unmarried, distinguishing her from both children and older married women.

Unlike terms that might emphasize social status or marital role, almah focuses on age and sexual integrity. The sources highlight that it often implies a woman ripe for marriage, yet still in her father’s household. This nuance is important when reading texts like Isaiah 7:14, where the sign given to King Ahaz involves an almah bearing a son. While translators sometimes render this as "virgin," the word itself primarily denotes a young woman of childbearing age, leaving room for theological discussion about whether her virginity is the defining feature or simply a natural condition of her youth.

The word’s usage in Proverbs 30:19 and Song of Solomon further illustrates its association with beauty and vitality. It is not a technical legal term but a descriptive one, capturing the essence of youthful womanhood in ancient Israelite society. Its limited occurrence suggests it was a common enough concept to require no elaboration, yet specific enough to carry weight in poetic or prophetic contexts.