אִישׁ
to be a man, i.e. act in amanly way
Definition
The verb אִישׁ (ʼîysh) is a denominative verb derived from the noun 'man' (H376). Its core meaning is 'to act like a man' or 'to show oneself a man,' implying the demonstration of strength, courage, or mature responsibility. In its sole biblical occurrence, Isaiah 46:8, God addresses rebellious Israel, commanding them to 'show yourselves men' (KJV) or 'be men' (ESV), calling for a return to steadfastness and remembrance of His sovereignty. This usage frames manhood not merely as a biological state but as a posture of moral and spiritual fortitude.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 46:8. The context is a prophetic rebuke where God challenges the spiritually wayward to adopt a posture of strength and remembrance. The call to 'be men' is a rhetorical appeal for the people to stop acting like spiritual infants or rebels and to embody the courage and resolve expected of those in covenant with God.
Etymology
אִישׁ as a verb is a denominative, directly formed from the common masculine noun אִישׁ (H376), meaning 'man,' 'husband,' or 'person.' This derivation process creates a verb meaning 'to act in the manner of an אִישׁ.' Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic, also use related terms for 'man' and concepts of strength.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this verb carries theological weight by defining biblical manhood in terms of covenant faithfulness and spiritual resolve rather than mere physical prowess. In Isaiah 46:8, to 'be a man' is synonymous with remembering God's past acts and standing firm in faith. This enriches reading by contrasting cultural ideals of masculinity with a God-centered call to courageous trust and obedience, relevant for all believers.
In ancient Israelite culture, the ideal of manhood (אִישׁ) encompassed roles as protector, provider, and faithful covenant member. The verb's command to 'be men' would evoke this entire complex of responsible leadership and moral strength, challenging the audience to live up to their identity as God's people.
גָּבַר (gāvar, H1396) — to be strong or mighty, often physically or in battle. חָזַק (ḥāzaq, H2388) — to be strong, firm, or courageous, with a focus on fortifying oneself.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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