ἀνήρ (anēr)
anēr
man
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 195 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word anēr refers specifically to a male person, carrying the weight of adult masculinity rather than just biological sex. While anthrōpos describes humanity in general or an individual regardless of gender, anēr highlights the distinction between men and women, as seen when Philip preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:12) or when Paul outlines household codes (1 Timothy 2:12). It also marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, a contrast evident in Paul’s teaching on spiritual maturity in Ephesians 4:13.
Beyond gender and age, anēr frequently functions as a term of address or identification. Speakers often pair it with names or titles to establish context, such as calling out "Men of Israel" in Acts 2:29 or addressing a specific group like the Ephesians in Acts 19:35. It also denotes a husband within the marital bond, appearing in Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4:16) and in Paul’s instructions for church leaders (Titus 1:6). This usage underscores a relational role rather than mere existence.
The word’s persistence in the New Testament reflects its utility in distinguishing specific social roles. It appears over two hundred times, often anchoring narratives in Acts where characters are identified by their gender or civic standing. Translators typically render it as "man," though context determines whether the emphasis lies on sex, age, marital status, or public identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anēr points to a man in his full adult capacity, encompassing not just biological sex but also maturity, responsibility, and relational role. In the New Testament, it often distinguishes men from women or children, highlighting specific social and familial duties. For instance, when Jesus speaks of the wise man building his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24), He uses this term to describe a person who actively applies His teachings, suggesting that true wisdom is demonstrated through action rather than mere hearing.
This word also carries deep relational weight, frequently referring to a husband within the marriage covenant. In Matthew 1:16, Joseph is identified as the husband of Mary, anchoring the narrative in his role as the earthly father figure in Jesus’ lineage. Similarly, in John’s account of the Samaritan woman, the term clarifies her marital history, showing how anēr helps define personal identity and social context. It reminds us that our roles—whether as fathers, husbands, or community members—are significant parts of God’s design.
Understanding anēr encourages reflection on how we embody maturity and faithfulness in our relationships. Whether addressing a crowd as “Men of Israel” or describing a specific individual’s character, the New Testament uses this word to ground spiritual truths in real human experience. It invites us to consider how our actions and roles reflect our commitment to God and others, fostering a life built on solid foundations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 195 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- men52×
- a man30×
- man21×
- husband19×
- Men19×
- husbands6×
- husband.6×
- A man6×
- a husband5×
- man;4×
- Men,4×
- to a man3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄνδρες45×
- ἀνὴρ35×
- ἄνδρα24×
- ἄνδρας22×
- ἀνδρὶ17×
- ἀνδρὸς12×
- ἄνδρες,10×
- ἀνδρῶν7×
- Ἄνδρες6×
- ἀνήρ,5×
- Ἀνὴρ4×
- ἀνήρ4×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:24
“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
This verse uses the term to describe a wise person who actively implements Jesus' teachings, linking the concept of manhood with practical obedience and spiritual stability.
-
Matthew 1:16
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Here, the word identifies Joseph specifically as Mary's husband, establishing his legal and familial role in the lineage of Christ without implying biological paternity.
-
Luke 5:8
But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.”
Peter uses this term to describe himself as a sinful man before Jesus, highlighting a posture of humility and recognition of human inadequacy in the presence of divine holiness.
-
Matthew 14:21
Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.
The text specifies five thousand men, distinct from women and children, emphasizing the scale of the miracle while acknowledging the demographic composition of the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between anēr and anthrōpos?
Does anēr always mean husband?
Why does the New Testament use anēr so often?
Every Occurrence (195 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 8 verses
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:19Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away…
Matthew 7:24“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on…
Matthew 7:26Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 14:21Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.
Matthew 14:35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who…
Matthew 15:38Those who ate were four thousand men, in addition to women and children.