The spelling of the word "Almah" can be a bit confusing due to its origins in Hebrew. The word is typically pronounced with stress on the first syllable, and the vowel sounds can be represented by the IPA symbols /æ/ and /ɑ/. The letter "h" at the end is often silent in English pronunciation, though it can be used to indicate that the stress is on the first syllable rather than the second. Despite its unusual spelling, "Almah" is an important term in both Jewish and Christian traditions, referring to a young woman who is eligible for marriage.
Almah is a noun that refers to a term of Hebrew origin, primarily found in the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible. In the dictionary, it can be defined as a young woman who reached the age of puberty, signifying the age of marriageability. The word is often used to describe a young, unmarried woman or a maiden. In biblical times, an almah was considered to possess the attributes of innocence, purity, and virginity, which were highly regarded virtues within the society.
The term almah holds particular significance in the context of religious and cultural studies. In various biblical verses and texts, an almah is mentioned for presenting symbolic roles, sometimes referring to the mother of a significant figure, such as the eternal Messiah. The definition of an almah has been subject to interpretation and debate over time due to its various mentions within different religious texts.
Outside religious contexts, the word almah occasionally appears in poetry or literature to evoke images of youthful beauty, grace, and modesty. It carries connotations of a young, virtuous woman who embodies purity and modesty while being on the brink of adulthood.
The word "Almah" comes from the Hebrew language. In Hebrew, "Almah" (עלמה) originally means a young woman of marriageable age, typically a virgin. The etymology of this word is traced back to the Hebrew root word "alam" (עלם), which means "to be hidden" or "to keep secret". This term was used specifically to refer to young women who were secluded or kept apart for the purpose of protecting their purity and preparing them for marriage. Over time, the usage of "Almah" expanded to signify a young woman in general, regardless of her marital status or virginity.