Brief Overview of ἄρρην (G730: arrēn)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: arrēn

Root Words:

• ἄρρην (arrēn): Derived from the Greek word ἄρρην (arrēn) meaning “male” or “masculine.”

Primary Meanings:

• Male: The term ἄρρην specifically refers to the male sex, used to describe animals or people that are male.
• Masculine: It also indicates characteristics or qualities typically associated with males.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄρρην as “male,” emphasizing its use in distinguishing the male sex from the female. It is often used in contexts relating to biological or physiological characteristics.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄρρην as “male” or “manly,” focusing on its role in denoting the male sex and associated qualities.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἄρρην is used to describe the male sex in a biological sense, contrasting with female.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄρρην as “male” or “manly,” indicating its application to denote male individuals or characteristics.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄρρην as “male,” consistent with its use to specify the male gender.

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Bible Verses:

• Luke 2:23 (KJV): “As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.”
• ἄρρην is used to describe “every male” in a religious or ceremonial context.
• Revelation 12:5 (KJV): “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”
• Here, ἄρρην is related to the “man child,” indicating a male.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἄρρην appears in contexts involving gender distinction:

• Homer’s Iliad (circa 8th century BC): Uses ἄρρην to describe male characters and their attributes in contrast to females.
• Aristotle’s Historia Animalium (circa 4th century BC): Employs ἄρρην to classify animals and their sexual characteristics, differentiating males from females.
• Plato’s Dialogues (circa 4th century BC): References ἄρρην in discussions about gender roles and characteristics.

4. Summary:

ἄρρην (G730: arrēn) means “male” or “masculine,” derived from Greek terminology for the male sex. It is used to describe biological males or masculine qualities. BDAG and other lexicons consistently define it in terms of gender differentiation. In classic Greek literature, ἄρρην is used to identify male individuals or characteristics, highlighting its application in both biological and cultural contexts.