Virility, often associated with masculine strength, vigor, and fertility, is a concept that, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is implicitly addressed through various narratives and teachings. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that reflect the attributes commonly associated with virility, such as strength, leadership, and the ability to procreate.

Strength and Leadership

In the Bible, strength and leadership are often seen as desirable qualities in men, reflecting aspects of virility. One of the most prominent figures exemplifying these traits is Samson. Known for his extraordinary physical strength, Samson's life is chronicled in the Book of Judges. His strength, a gift from God, is a central theme in his narrative: "So he killed many more when he died than while he lived" (Judges 16:30). Samson's account illustrates the potential of God-given strength and the importance of using it in accordance with divine will.

King David is another biblical figure who embodies virility through his leadership and military prowess. As a young shepherd, David's courage and faith led him to defeat Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17). His leadership as king of Israel is marked by numerous military victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Fertility and Procreation

Virility is also associated with fertility and the ability to procreate, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. The patriarch Abraham is a key figure in this regard. Despite his old age, God promised Abraham that he would be "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). This promise was fulfilled through his son Isaac, born to him and Sarah in their old age, demonstrating God's power to bring life and fulfill His promises.

Similarly, Jacob, Abraham's grandson, fathered twelve sons who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. His account, found in Genesis, highlights the importance of family lineage and the continuation of God's covenant through successive generations.

Moral and Spiritual Strength

Beyond physical strength and fertility, the Bible emphasizes moral and spiritual strength as essential components of true virility. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often encourages believers to exhibit spiritual fortitude. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, he exhorts, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" . This call to spiritual vigilance and strength underscores the biblical view that true virility encompasses moral integrity and steadfastness in faith.

Role of Virility in Family and Society

The Bible also addresses the role of men in family and society, reflecting aspects of virility. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). This sacrificial love requires strength, commitment, and leadership within the family unit. Fathers are instructed to bring up their children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4), highlighting the importance of guiding the next generation with wisdom and strength.

In summary, while the term "virility" itself is not explicitly used in the Bible, the qualities associated with it—strength, leadership, fertility, and moral integrity—are woven throughout the biblical narrative. These attributes are presented as gifts from God, to be used in accordance with His will and for the benefit of family and society.(n.) The quality or state of being virile; developed manhood; manliness; specif., the power of procreation; as, exhaustion.202. on -- vigor, wealth
... word Definition vigor, wealth NASB Word Usage maturity (1), might (2), power (1),
strength (3), strong men (1), vigor (1), vigorous (1), virility (1), wealth (2 ...
/hebrew/202.htm - 6k

Thirdly, of Conjugal Intercourse.
... "We say," says he, "that the sexual impulse"that is, that the virility itself, without
which there can be no intercourse"is ordained by God." To this I ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 31 thirdly of conjugal intercourse.htm

Concerning Lordships and Powers and Authorities, and Concerning ...
... in the Lordly Likeness of God, to its utmost ability; and the appellation of the
Holy Powers denotes a certain courageous and unflinching virility, for all ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput viii concerning lordships and.htm

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... There was not left in them sufficient virility to set up, much less to maintain,
an emperor of their own race; their rulers were of barbarian extraction. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm

God's Sovereignty Defined
... It was a theme frequently expounded in the pulpit. It was a truth which brought
comfort to many hearts, and gave virility and stability to Christian character. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter one gods sovereignty defined.htm

Introductory Tertullian Compares the Heresy to the Old Eleusinian ...
... recesses: [6617] there are revealed at last all the aspirations of the fully initiated,
[6618] the entire mystery of the sealed tongue, the symbol of virility. ...
/.../against the valentinians/chapter i introductory tertullian compares the.htm

Introduction
... Of "goody-goody" Sunday School library books of an old-fashioned type, which are
insipid and lacking both in virility of thought and literary form, there are ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/introduction.htm

The Holidays at Thagaste
... He was near his sixteenth year: the awkward time of early virility was beginning
for him. Prepared at Madaura, it suddenly burst out at Thagaste. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/vi the holidays at thagaste.htm

Indignant Irony Exposing the Valentinian Fable About the Judicial ...
... Although but a Marcus or a Gaius, [6911] full-grown in this flesh of ours, with
a beard and such like proofs (of virility,) it may be a stern husband, a father ...
/.../against the valentinians/chapter xxxii indignant irony exposing the.htm

The Demons Sin among Mankind.
... Athenians attributed to the earth the son born of her connection with Heph??stos,
that Athen?? might not be thought to be deprived of her virility by Heph??stos ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter viii the demons sin among.htm

Ep. xii. (About AD 365).
... Take heed to seasonable silence: listen to her voice: mark her unadornment, her
womanly virility, her usefulness at home, her love of her husband. ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep xii about a d 365.htm

Virility (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Virility (1 Occurrence). Psalms 78:51 and struck all the
firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the tents of Ham. ...
/v/virility.htm - 6k

Virtue (21 Occurrences)

/v/virtue.htm - 16k

Virgin's (2 Occurrences)

/v/virgin's.htm - 7k

Lust (42 Occurrences)
... of gain. 4. (n.) Licentious craving; sexual appetite. 5. (n.) Hence: Virility;
vigor; active power. 6. (n.) To list; to like. 7. (n ...
/l/lust.htm - 24k

Emasculate (1 Occurrence)
... unmanly softness. 3. (a.) Deprived of virility or vigor; unmanned; weak.
Multi-Version Concordance Emasculate (1 Occurrence). Galatians ...
/e/emasculate.htm - 7k

Dead (580 Occurrences)
... virtues of Christianity is called dead (James 2:17); (8) in Romans 4:19 Hebrews
11:12, "dead" signifies the senile condition of loss of vigor and virility. ...
/d/dead.htm - 80k

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