δάμαλις
dámalis
G1151 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Young female cow, specifically a heifer; in general Greek, refers to a female bovine, typically one that has not borne a calf or is not yet fully mature. In extended and metaphorical contexts, may refer to young women or used as a term of endearment or comparison for youth, gentleness, or tameness.
Semantic Range
young female bovine, heifer, tamed female animal, metaphor for young woman, sacrificial heifer
Root / Etymology
From the root δαμ- as in δαμάζω ('to tame, subdue, bring under control'); the suffix -λις forms a feminine noun, indicating an animal, most often a cow or heifer. The precise derivation is from the notion of an animal that has been domesticated or tamed.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δάμαλις commonly refers to a young or adolescent female bovine, distinct from βός (general term for ox/cow) and ταῦρος (bull). The term is used in both literal and poetic contexts to describe heifers and to metaphorically denote young women, valued for qualities such as grace or gentleness. In the Septuagint, δάμαλις is used to translate Hebrew עֶגְלָה ('eglah'), typically meaning 'heifer.' In the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 9:13), it refers specifically to a heifer offered in sacrificial rites, connecting to Israelite ritual law. English translations usually render δάμαλις as 'heifer,' accurately reflecting the animal, but may overlook metaphorical sensibilities present in classical and Hellenistic usage. The word maintains a focus on youth and domestication, emphasizing the animal's suitability for work or sacrifice, and its distinction from full-grown cows, bulls, or untamed animals.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the base of δαμάζω; a heifer (as tame):--heifer.
Root Family
δαμ- (damázō) — to subdue, to tame, to bring under control
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1151-01 |
δαμάλεως | damaleos | N GEN F SG |
of a heifer | of a tamed heifer | of a heifer | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1151-01 |
Hebrews 9:13 | δαμάλεως | damaleos | N GEN F SG |
of a heifer | of a tamed heifer | of a heifer |