Andrizomai (ἀνδρίζομαι)
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
As I started to process this phrase, I was conflicted about what to name this blog. That’s the reason for the unconventional title. I couldn’t confidently land on just one of the meanings when I see both sides.
This Greek word, “ἀνδρίζομαι” (an-drid'-zom-ahee) is used only once in the whole new testament. It has two rough meanings.
“Be brave and courageous”
“To make a man/To show one’s self a man”
Here is the thing: this is not a verse just for men. Paul both before and after this passage, praises women for their faith. But for the sake of this blog, we will go down each two translations. And at the end of the day, this letter is written to the Church of Corinth—the Bride.
We are all called to andrizomai.
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I have a great mentor who talks about keeping literal and figurative browsers up searching for God throughout the day. For me, I get down these rabbit holes with the Greek sometimes, just trying to understand. So finding that andrizomai was only used one time really fascinated me. Why was it only used one time? What about the old testament Hebrew? Well, there are several rough equals of Hebrew words, usually under the “be strong and courageous” phrase.
Be Brave and Courageous
The widely accepted meaning of “andrizomai” is to be brave and courageous. If you are looking at the context of the letter—the passage’s location within the letter, it is safe to say Paul urges Corinth to be brave and courageous.
He does not just want it for them. He needs it.
Throughout Scripture, Paul holds the gospel in high importance. This is not merely a hobby of faith, this is life or death. I mean look at the verse above again, “as a prisoner of the Lord…” Paul was a legitimate prisoner when writing Ephesians. While writing to Ephesus, he was in prison in Rome under Nero.
Not a prisoner to Nero, but to Christ.
To help paint the scene, I want to share photos from an incredible opportunity I had to visit Phillippi and see a prison where Paul was kept in.
We read Acts 16 as our guide would describe where all of it took place. Where the beating occurred to Paul and Silas and the route they probably took up to the prison.
I remember it vividly. It was as if I could see it all taking place again. It wrecked my heart and absolutely fired me up with bravery and courage at the same time. A man so willing to die for the truth of the gospel. Living out his words he had written to others.
During his time in prison, he would share the gospel with other prisoners, prison guards and the people. I can almost picture him shouting the gospel from his cell.
In fact,
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” — (Acts 16:25)
Courageous in the face of very real fear.
Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the existence of fear but choosing to persevere through the fear. I think this is one of the differences that come to mind often on man’s view of men and an actual Christlike view.
In the LXX Greek Concordances, they use andrizomai for the “be strong and courageous” verses in Deuteronomy, Joshua, and throughout the Old Testament. Sometimes the Greek words used for bravery also have an emphasis on effectiveness.
We are called to be effective, productive, and efficient.
To Show Oneself a Man
There has been a persistent theme in the last couple of blogs: our American story of what makes a man is not consistent with what God says a man is. Now, do not hear what I am not saying. I am not saying there isn’t wisdom to some of the philosophy, but Jesus does not teach that a man should be able to bench 315, or should be eager to get revenge or even belief of stereotypes. Revenge! We learn from others that this is what a man ought to do. Jesus teaches the opposite.
However, he does call men to be mature and I think this phrase is less on the biological sex of a person and more of spiritual maturity. Other commentaries express this is how both man and woman are suppose to andrizomai. It is living up to a calling.
Right before the famous Ephesians marriage chapter, Paul says:
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” — (Ephesians 4:1)
There is maturity in Christ. Freedom in being different from our dead self, we are new created beings. Do you truly believe that? Honestly, I don’t find myself confident in it every day.
But when I do— when I really do? Maturity arises. My calling is fulfilled.
I am suddenly satisfied with Christ.
This past weekend was a really emotionally heavy one. I went back home and I helped my mother move out of our childhood house. It is probably the last time I will ever see it, sleep in it, shower in it, pray in it. It was such an eerie feeling, seeing everything you knew for the past two decades gone. Nothing in the house, empty—broken—lonely. Those days, I felt I needed to andrizomai. I needed to step up to the maturity God calls me to, where he has brought me to.
The last night I remember telling my mom, “it looks so different without my bed here, I guess I’ll just have to sleep on the couch” and in slightly humorous—but as the tears were close, she said “we don’t have a couch Hayden.”
I slept my last night on some blankets next to a lamp. I am not saying this for pity, I am saying this because I was fulfilled, I was happy, I had everything.
In an empty room, God met me. He filled the room in such a gracious and loving way, providing the peace that transcends all understanding along with bravery and courage.
We are to have courage for His sake.
I want to leave you with this quote and encouragement.
“True courage is not “I can do it”—that is self-confidence. It is, rather, “This is more important than me.” In the animal kingdom the mother undauntedly faces any size foe, not because she thinks she can win but for the sake of her young. David will face any foe for the sake of his Lord, whom he loves above all. He’s not looking at himself. That is the secret of courage. Prayer: Lord, give me such a sense of your living reality in my life that I live a more fearless life. Fear is just thinking of myself and my abilities instead of having my mind focused on you. Give me enough love for you to be brave. Amen.”
— Timothy J. Keller, (The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms)
Let us live a life of andrizomai for Him, with Him.
To Him be the glory, forever, and ever.
Bravery and courage be with you all,
Hayden
Discussion
Where is God asking you to be brave and courageous in trusting Him?
How has your perception or understanding of Jesus changed in the last 365 days?
I challenge you to journal on one of these questions and share anything you have been learning about God with someone today.
Please share with your friends, family, or anyone who you think could possibly enjoy this.