ἄρρην, ἄρσην (arrēn, arsēn)
arrēn, arsēn
male
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word arsēn denotes a male in the biological sense, serving as the direct counterpart to female. It appears seven times in the New Testament, often in contexts that establish foundational human categories or divine imagery. In Matthew 19:4 and Mark 10:6, Jesus cites Genesis to describe the creation of "male and female," grounding his teaching on marriage in this basic biological distinction.
Its theological weight becomes clear in passages like Galatians 3:28, where Paul declares that in Christ there is neither male nor female. Here, the term highlights a social or spiritual boundary that is transcended by faith, rather than denying physical reality. Similarly, Revelation uses it to describe the male child who rules the nations (Revelation 12:5), linking the word to authority and messianic expectation.
Translators consistently render arsēn as "male," a straightforward choice that preserves its concrete meaning. The word rarely carries metaphorical ambiguity; instead, it anchors discussions of identity, creation, and prophecy in tangible human experience. Its use in Romans 1:27 further ties the concept to natural order, contrasting same-sex relations with what is described as the natural use of the body.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word arsēn simply means 'male.' It is a basic term for biological sex, used in the New Testament to describe human creation and identity. In Matthew 19:4, Jesus uses it to recall Genesis, showing that being male and female is part of God's original design for humanity. This grounding in creation helps us understand our place in the world as intentional acts of God.
While the word marks a physical distinction, its most profound use appears in Galatians 3:28. Here, Paul notes that in Christ, these earthly categories do not determine your standing before God. You are one with others in Jesus, regardless of sex or status. This does not erase biology but elevates our shared identity in Him above all social divisions.
Understanding this word reminds us that our physical bodies are part of God's good creation. At the same time, our spiritual unity in Christ is far more significant than any earthly label. We can find comfort in knowing that our worth comes from being made by God and redeemed by Jesus, not from how we fit into human categories.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- males3×
- male3×
- male,1×
- male [child].1×
- Male1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄρσεν4×
- ἄρσενες2×
- ἄρσεσιν1×
- ἄρσενα.1×
- ἄρσεν,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:4
He answered, “Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,
Jesus uses the word to anchor his teaching on marriage in the original creation account, affirming the biological reality of male and female.
-
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Paul places this term alongside social divisions like Jew/Greek and slave/free to show that faith in Christ transcends all earthly boundaries.
-
Revelation of John 12:5
She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Her child was caught up to God and to his throne.
The word identifies the Messiah as a male child who will rule the nations, linking biological sex to messianic authority and prophecy.