Handmaid, Handmaiden
Handmaid, Handmaiden
These words often refer in scripture to a female slave, as applied to Hagar the Egyptian, Gen 25:12; but were also used by women themselves as a term of humility, as when Hannah spake to Jehovah and to Eli, 1Sa 1:11; 1Sa 1:16; 1Sa 1:18; as Abigail to David, 1Sa 25:24-41; and by Mary and Elizabeth as handmaids of the Lord. Luk 1:38; Luk 1:48.