Lexical Summary ish-chayil: Man of valor, mighty man, warrior, capable man Original Word: אִישׁ־חַיִל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ish-chail, an Israelite -- a valiant manFrom 'iysh and chayil; man of might; by defect. Transcription (2 Sam. 23:20) Iysh-Chay {eesh-khah'ee}; as if from 'iysh and chay; living man; Ish-chail (or Ish-chai), an Israelite -- a valiant man. see HEBREW 'iysh see HEBREW chayil see HEBREW chay NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ish and chayil, q.v. Topical Lexicon Meaning and ScopeThe compound expression אִישׁ־חַיִל (ʼîš-ḥayil) portrays a man whose life is marked by strength, competence, and honorable substance. It gathers physical prowess, moral courage, military capability, social influence, and economic capacity into a single profile of God-given capability directed toward covenant faithfulness and community blessing. Occurrences and Synonymous Phrases Although Strong’s number 381 registers no discrete occurrences, the idea surfaces widely through related spellings such as אִישׁ גִּבּוֹר־חַיִל (“mighty man of valor,” Judges 6:12) or simply גִּבּוֹר־חַיִל (“valiant warrior,” 2 Samuel 17:10). These passages demonstrate that ancient Israel recognized a spectrum of “valor” embracing both battlefield heroism and responsible stewardship at home. Ruth 2:1 introduces Boaz as “a man of standing”, signaling not only wealth but proven integrity—qualities later confirmed by his redemptive actions. Historical Setting In the tribal and monarchic eras, the stability of Israel often rested on men who embodied חַיִל. They marshaled households (Genesis 47:6), led militia contingents (1 Chronicles 7:2), managed royal treasuries (1 Chronicles 26:20), or served as trusted deputies (2 Kings 15:20). Their reputation arose from service, not self-promotion, displaying the covenant ideal that strength is loaned by God for the good of His people. Military Valor The martial component remains prominent. Gideon is hailed as “mighty warrior” while threshing wheat in secret (Judges 6:12), reminding readers that God defines valor before exploits are visible. David’s roster of “thirty mighty men” (2 Samuel 23:8-39) reveals relational loyalty; each warrior’s exploits are framed by covenant solidarity with the anointed king, prefiguring the Church’s devotion to Christ. Economic and Civic Capacity Chayil also speaks of wealth and competence in governance. Job is introduced as “the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3), and the term underlies the description. Boaz’s resources enable him to act as kinsman-redeemer, illustrating that financial strength becomes righteous only when yoked to covenant love. In Proverbs 31, the “excellent wife” (31:10) is literally an אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל, showing that the concept transcends gender and battlefield, celebrating diligent management, generosity to the poor, and wise instruction. Spiritual and Moral Dimension Scripture repeatedly links chayil to the fear of the LORD. David’s charge to Solomon hinges on this union: “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—is with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20). True valor flows from reliance on God’s presence, not merely personal ability. Thus, the prophets rebuke Israel when material chayil is divorced from righteousness (Micah 6:12). Typological Foreshadowing The ideal man of valor anticipates the Messiah, who combines perfect might with covenant faithfulness. Isaiah 42:13 declares, “The LORD advances like a warrior; He stirs up His zeal like a man of war.” Jesus Christ embodies ultimate chayil: conquering sin and death, yet washing His disciples’ feet. Believers are therefore summoned to participate in His victory “in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). New Testament Resonance While the exact Hebrew term is absent, its themes surface in Greek expressions such as δυνατός (powerful) and ἀνδρίζομαι (act like men). Paul exhorts the Corinthian church, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Here, spiritual perseverance, doctrinal stability, and sacrificial love converge—echoing אִישׁ־חַיִל across the covenantal divide. Ministry Application 1. Leadership Qualification: Elders and deacons must model chayil-like qualities—above reproach, self-controlled, and hospitable (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Summary אִישׁ־חַיִל portrays the integrated strength God desires in His people: courageous faith, competent service, moral integrity, and a readiness to expend resources for redemptive purposes. Whether on the battlefield, in the city gate, or in the household, such valor magnifies the LORD who alone empowers His servants. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance wə·hā·’îš — 17 Occ.wə·’îš — 141 Occ. wə·’î·šāh — 4 Occ. wə·la·’ă·nā·šîm — 1 Occ. wə·lā·’îš — 1 Occ. wə·hiṯ·’ō·šā·šū — 1 Occ. bō·šeṯ — 11 Occ. ’î·šə·hō·wḏ — 1 Occ. be·’ĕ·šūn — 1 Occ. bə·’î·šō·wn — 1 Occ. ha·’î·ṯāḵ — 1 Occ. ’î·ṯay — 12 Occ. ’î·ṯa·nā — 1 Occ. ’î·ṯê·ḵō·wn — 2 Occ. ’î·ṯō·w·hî — 1 Occ. ’î·ṯî·’êl — 1 Occ. lə·’î·ṯî·’êl — 2 Occ. ’î·ṯā·mār — 13 Occ. lə·’î·ṯā·mār — 1 Occ. ū·lə·’î·ṯā·mār — 1 Occ. |
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