אִישׁ־חַיִל
𐤀𐤉𐤔־𐤇𐤉𐤋
ʼÎysh-Chayil
H381
SILEX Entry
Definition
A man possessing strength, capability, valor, or notable standing; in context, an individual characterized by exceptional ability, military prowess, resourcefulness, or noble qualities. The phrase is most commonly used to designate men of recognized strength, competence, or valor, particularly in military or social contexts, but can broadly indicate a person of standing or substance within the community.
Semantic Range
man of strength, man of valor, man of ability, able man, wealthy man, man of standing, prominent man; can include military prowess, social status, capability, or wealth depending on context
Root / Etymology
Compound phrase from the noun אִישׁ (man, individual) and the noun חַיִל (strength, power, wealth, capability, valor). The root of אִישׁ is א-נ-ש or א-י-ש (uncertain etymology), signifying 'man,' while חַיִל derives from ח-י-ל (to be strong, effective, capable, to endure). The phrase literally means 'man of strength/valor.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The phrase אִישׁ־חַיִל was used in ancient Israelite and Judahite contexts to refer to men of distinguished abilities—either martial (warriors, leaders in battle) or of substance (wealth or social standing). It often appears in genealogical, military, and administrative lists to indicate merit or status. In some contexts, especially in later texts, the phrase can refer more broadly to a capable or influential man, not limited to military strength. The term is not inherently connected to ethnicity or tribe, but often appears in Israelite records. English translations such as 'mighty man,' 'man of valor,' 'man of wealth,' or 'man of standing' only partially reflect the term's nuance; some translations narrow the meaning to warlike prowess, omitting the lexical and contextual breadth which may include capability, integrity, or social standing. In 2 Samuel 23:20, the spelling אִישׁ־חַי is regarded as a textual variant for אִישׁ־חַיִל.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from אִישׁ and חַיִל; man of might; by defective transcription (2 Samuel 23:20) אִישׁ־חַיxlit ʼÎsh-Chay corrected to ʼÎysh-Chay; as if from אִישׁ and חַי; living man; Ishchail (or Ish-chai), an Israelite; a valiant man.
Bantu Hebrew
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Occurrences in Scripture
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