Bible Dictionary
DAMSEL
A damsel is a young unmarried woman or girl. Depending on the context, the word may refer to a maidservant, a young female slave, or a child.
Definition
A damsel is a young unmarried woman or girl. Depending on context, it may refer to a maidservant, young female slave, or child.
Biblical Usage
Older translations use “damsel” for a girl or maidservant in several New Testament passages and for a child in the account of the young girl whom Jesus raised.
Historical Background
Later versions commonly distinguish “maid” for a servant girl and “child” for a half-grown boy or girl.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dam'-zel: A young, unmarried woman; a girl (lass); maiden (compare French demoiselle). The Revised Version (British and American) in Mt 26:69; Joh 18:17; Ac 12:13; 16:16 gives "maid" for paidiske, "a girl," i.e. (spec.) a maidservant or young female slave (the King James Version "damsel"), and "child" for paidion, "a half-grown boy or girl," in Mr 5:39,40 bis. 41.</p>