### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **árrhēn**, represented by `{{G730}}`, is the term for **male**. It appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses** in scripture. Its base definition suggests it is derived from a word for lifting, thus defining **male** as "stronger for lifting" `{{G730}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G730}}` establishes identity in both creation and law. It is used to describe God's original design, making humanity **male** and female from the beginning of creation ([[Matthew 19:4]]; [[Mark 10:6]]). It is also used in a legal context, citing the law that every **male** that opens the womb is to be considered holy to the Lord [[Luke 2:23]]. In a prophetic context, it identifies the "**man** child" who is destined to rule all nations and is persecuted by the dragon ([[Revelation 12:5]], 12:13).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the meaning of `{{G730}}`:
* `{{G2338}}` **thēlys** (female): As the direct counterpart to **male**, this word appears alongside `{{G730}}` to describe the distinction in God's creation [[Mark 10:6]] and the spiritual unity in which that distinction is transcended [[Galatians 3:28]].
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): This word, meaning a **son** or child, is combined with `{{G730}}` to form the specific term "**man** child" in Revelation, highlighting both the gender and lineage of this prophetic figure [[Revelation 12:5]].
* `{{G1401}}` **doûlos** (bond(-man), servant): This term for a **slave** or **servant** is used in parallel with `{{G730}}` in [[Galatians 3:28]]. The passage lists categories such as "bond nor free" and "**male** nor female" to illustrate that such earthly statuses are made one in Christ Jesus.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G730}}` is multifaceted, touching on creation, salvation, and morality.
* **Created Order:** The term is foundational to the biblical understanding of humanity, establishing that God made people **male** `{{G730}}` and female from the very beginning [[Matthew 19:4]].
* **Spiritual Equality:** In Christ, social and biological distinctions, including being **male** `{{G730}}` or female, do not determine spiritual standing, as all believers are one in Christ Jesus [[Galatians 3:28]].
* **Moral Order:** The word is used in Romans to describe the error of **men** `{{G730}}` who leave the "natural use" of the woman, engaging in unseemly acts with other **men** `{{G730}}` and receiving in themselves a just recompence [[Romans 1:27]].
* **Prophetic Identity:** In Revelation, `{{G730}}` specifies the gender of the child who will rule the nations with a rod of iron and is caught up to God and His throne [[Revelation 12:5]].
### Summary
In summary, **árrhēn** `{{G730}}` is a precise term for **male** that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant theological weight. It anchors the created distinction between the sexes [[Mark 10:6]], serves as a reference point for Old Testament law [[Luke 2:23]], defines a departure from natural order [[Romans 1:27]], and identifies a key messianic figure in prophecy [[Revelation 12:5]]. It powerfully illustrates how a God-ordained distinction in the physical world is ultimately superseded by spiritual unity in Christ.
TRV