Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The term "Ish" is a Hebrew word (אִישׁ) that translates to "man" or "husband" in English. It is used throughout the Old Testament to denote an adult male or, in certain contexts, a husband in relation to his wife. The word is often used in contrast to "Ishah" (אִשָּׁה), which means "woman" or "wife."Biblical Usage: The word "Ish" appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a generic term for a man. It is used in various contexts, from describing individuals to representing mankind in general. For example, in Genesis 2:23, Adam refers to Eve as "Ishah" because she was taken out of "Ish," highlighting the relationship between man and woman: "The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘Woman,’ for out of Man she was taken.'" Theological Significance: In the biblical narrative, "Ish" is not merely a descriptor of gender but also carries theological implications. It reflects the created order as described in Genesis, where God creates man in His own image (Genesis 1:27). The term underscores the role of men within the family and society, as seen in various patriarchal narratives throughout the Old Testament. Covenantal Context: The use of "Ish" in covenantal contexts often emphasizes the responsibilities and roles assigned to men. For instance, in the Abrahamic covenant, God calls Abraham to be the father of many nations, a role that underscores the significance of "Ish" as a leader and progenitor (Genesis 17:4-5). Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israelite society, the term "Ish" also carried social and legal connotations. Men were typically the heads of households and held primary responsibility for the welfare and spiritual leadership of their families. This is evident in passages such as Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where men are instructed to teach God's commandments to their children. Prophetic and Messianic References: While "Ish" is a common term, it also appears in prophetic literature with messianic overtones. In Isaiah 53:3, the suffering servant is described as "a man of sorrows" (Ish mak'obot), pointing to the humanity and suffering of the Messiah: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." New Testament Correlation: Although the New Testament is written in Greek, the concept of "Ish" is mirrored in the Greek word "aner" (ἀνήρ), which also means "man" or "husband." The New Testament continues to affirm the roles and responsibilities of men within the family and the church, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:25, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Conclusion: The term "Ish" is foundational in understanding the biblical view of manhood, encompassing both the biological and theological dimensions of being a man. It serves as a reminder of the divine image in which men are created and the responsibilities they bear in accordance with God's design. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A suffix used to from adjectives from nouns and from adjectives. It denotes relation, resemblance, similarity, and sometimes has a diminutive force; as, selfish, boyish, brutish; whitish, somewhat white.2. (n.) A verb ending, originally appearing in certain verbs of French origin; as, abolish, cherish, finish, furnish, garnish, impoverish. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISH('ish): In the following Hebrew proper names, a prefix meaning "man of," or, collectively, "men of": Ish-bosheth, Ishhod, Ish-tob (but the Revised Version (British and American) correctly "the men of Tob"). Greek 3474. moros -- dull, stupid, foolish ... foolish. Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid (as if shut up), ie Heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd -- fool(-ish, X -ishness). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3474.htm - 7k 878. aphron -- without reason, foolish 3516. nepios -- an infant, fig. a simple-minded or immature person 453. anoetos -- not understanding 2469. Iskariotes -- Iscariot, surname of Judas and his father Strong's Hebrew 378. Ish-bosheth -- "man of shame," a son of Saul and king of Isr.Ish-bosheth. 377, 378. Ish-bosheth. 379 . "man of shame," a son of Saul and king of Isr. Transliteration: Ish-bosheth Phonetic ... /hebrew/378.htm - 6k 381. ish-chayil -- Ish-chail, an Israelite -- a valiant man 377. ish -- show one self a man 382a. ish-Tob -- "men of Tob," inhab. of a region East of the ... 786. ish -- a questionable reading found in Masoretic text. 376. ish -- man 382. Iysh-Towb -- "men of Tob," inhab. of a region East of the ... 5036. nabal -- foolish, senseless 6430. Pelishti -- inhab. of Philistia 2572. chamishshim -- fifty Library "Abide with Me, Fast Falls the Eventide. " "For ever with the Lord. " "There's a Land that is Fairer than Day. " "While Shepherds Watch'd their Flocks by Night. " "Nearer, My God, to Thee. " "Come, Ye who Love the Lord. " Elucidations. "Jerusalem, My Happy Home. " Nuhguhmoowin 16. CM (Advent. ) Chapter iv Thesaurus Ish-bosheth (14 Occurrences)Ish-bosheth. Ishbosheth, Ish-bosheth. Ish-bo'sheth . Easton's Bible Dictionary Man ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ISH-BOSHETH. ish... /i/ish-bosheth.htm - 15k La'ish (5 Occurrences) Ish Ish-sechel (1 Occurrence) Ish-tob (2 Occurrences) Ish-bo'sheth (13 Occurrences) Ish'maelites (6 Occurrences) Ish-hod (1 Occurrence) Ish'merai (1 Occurrence) Ish'maelite (3 Occurrences) Resources What is the story of David and Ish-Bosheth? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org Ish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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