אִישׁ
𐤀𐤉𐤔
ʼîysh
H377 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act as a man, to display qualities or actions associated with being a man, especially in terms of courage, strength, or resolve. The verb usually denotes demonstrating manliness or fortitude in situations requiring bravery or steadfastness.
Semantic Range
to act as a man, to show oneself a man, to display courage or fortitude, to demonstrate manly qualities, to behave with valor
Root / Etymology
Derived denominatively from the noun אִישׁ (ʼîysh), which means 'man' or 'male human.' Here, the verb form reflects the idea of 'acting as a man' or 'demonstrating manly qualities.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
This denominative verb appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in passages such as 1 Kings 2:2 ('be strong and show yourself a man'). In these cases, the term refers not merely to biological maleness but to culturally valued virtues like courage, fortitude, and resolve expected of men in the ancient Israelite context. The word does not imply gender identity as understood in modern discourse but presumes the social and ethical expectations of adult male behavior within ancient Israelite society. English translations (such as 'show yourself a man' or 'act with courage') may not fully capture the intersection of cultural, ethical, and social elements implicit in the original context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
denominative from אִישׁ; to be a man, i.e. act in amanly way; show (one) self a man.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
אישׁ (ʼîysh) — man, individual, person, husband
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H377-01 |
וְ/הִתְאֹשָׁ֑שׁוּ | vehiteoshashu | HC/Vrv2mp |
and stand firm | and act as men | and stand firm | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H377-01 |
Isaiah 46:8 | וְ/הִתְאֹשָׁ֑שׁוּ | vehiteoshashu | HC/Vrv2mp |
and stand firm | and act as men | and stand firm |