Woman

for which see also WIFE , is used of a "woman" unmarried or married, e.g., Matthew 11:11; 14:21; Luke 4:26 , of a "widow;" Romans 7:2; in the vocative case, used in addressing a "woman," it is a term not of reproof or severity, but of endearment or respect, Matthew 15:28; John 2:4 , where the Lord's words to His mother at the wedding in Cana, are neither rebuff nor rebuke. The question is, lit., "What to Me and to thee?" and the word "woman," the term of endearment, follows this. The meaning is "There is no obligation on Me or you, but love will supply the need." She confides in Him, He responds to her faith. There was lovingkindness in both hearts. His next words about "His hour" suit this; they were not unfamiliar to her. Cana is in the path to Calvary; Calvary was not yet, but it made the beginning of signs possible. See also John 4:21; 19:26 .

a diminutive of No. 1, a "little woman," is used contemptuously in 2—Timothy 3:6 , "a silly woman."

"elder, older," in the feminine plural, denotes "elder women" in 1—Timothy 5:2 . See ELDER , A, No. 1

the feminine of presbutes, "aged," is used in the plural and translated "aged women" in Titus 2:3 .

the feminine of the adjective thelus, denotes "female," and is used as a noun, Romans 1:26,27 . See FEMALE.