ἀνδρίζομαι
andrízomai
G407 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To behave courageously or to act with fortitude and resolve, especially in the face of adversity. In Koine usage, it particularly connotes the idea of demonstrating valor, confidence, or steadfastness, often associated in Greek context with the traditionally masculine ideal of bravery. The primary sense involves taking action marked by boldness or unwavering resolve, regardless of gender.
Semantic Range
to be courageous, to act bravely, to act boldly, to show valor, to be resolute, to show steadfastness
Root / Etymology
From ἀνήρ (anēr, 'man' in the sense of an adult male), with the middle/passive ending -ίζομαι indicating a reflexive or self-directed action: 'to make oneself manly,' hence, 'to act with courage.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀνδρίζομαι was commonly used in exhortations to soldiers or citizens to show bravery and fortitude, regardless of literal gender. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament contexts, the term’s use is associated with exhorting courage and moral strength, sometimes reflecting inherited masculine ideals but being addressed to groups or individuals irrespective of sex. English translations such as 'quit you like men' or 'be manly' are inheritances from patriarchal idiom and often obscure the underlying exhortation to boldness or courage, regardless of literal gender. In biblical contexts, it typically translates Hebrew terms like חֲזַק (ḥazaq, 'be strong'). The term does not, in itself, address gender identity but draws on the Greek association of ἀνήρ with valor. The shift from a strictly masculine reference to a general exhortation for courage can be traced in Koine and later Greek usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice from ἀνήρ; to act manly:--quit like men.
Root Family
ἀνδρίζομαι (andrízomai) — man, courage, strength, bravery
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G407-01 |
ἀνδρίζεσθε | andrizesthe | V PRS MID IMP 2P PL |
be courageous | Act courageously yourselves | Act courageously yourselves | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G407-01 |
1 Corinthians 16:13 | ἀνδρίζεσθε | andrizesthe | V PRS MID IMP 2P PL |
be courageous | Act courageously yourselves | Act courageously yourselves |