ἀνδρίζω (andrizō)
andrizō
to act like a man
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb andrizō means to act with courage or strength, essentially "to play the man." In first-century Greek, it carried the sense of becoming brave or steadfast in the face of difficulty. It is not merely about physical masculinity but refers to a spirit of resolve and fortitude.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. He uses it as an exhortation for believers to stand firm in their faith and exhibit strength of character (1 Corinthians 16:13). The usage aligns with its Old Testament background, where similar Hebrew terms encouraged leaders and people to be strong and courageous.
Its root relates to the word for man (anēr), emphasizing mature, resolute behavior. Translators often render it as "be men" or "show courage," capturing the call to spiritual bravery rather than a gender-specific instruction. The term underscores the expectation that Christians should demonstrate inner strength and steadfastness in their walk.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word andrizō calls us to a spirit of resolve and fortitude, urging believers to stand firm in their faith when difficulties arise. In first-century Greek, it meant acting with courage and strength, not just physically but spiritually. Paul uses this term in his letter to the Corinthians to encourage Christians to exhibit maturity and steadfastness in their walk with God.
This exhortation is not about gender but about character. It invites us to embrace inner strength and bravery in facing life's challenges. By drawing on this concept, we can find encouragement to remain grounded in our beliefs, even when circumstances test us. The call to be courageous is a reminder that faith requires both trust and action.
As you navigate your own journey, remember that standing firm in the faith is an act of spiritual bravery. This word reminds us that God equips us with the strength to endure and thrive in our walk with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do act like men,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνδρίζεσθε,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 16:13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
This verse uses andrizō as a direct exhortation for believers to exhibit courage and steadfastness in their faith.