Biblical Masculinity

. What does the Bible say about “Real Men”?

Take note of the first of several biblical passages dealing with masculinity. King David of ancient Israel exemplified aspects of the male character and values that God cherishes. After all, God called David “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22).

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel in the Old Testament are primarily about this man of great faith. In his youth, he faced dangerous wild animals. He defeated a considerable enemy warrior, and he faced many hardships, rising from personal failures to keep going in God’s direction.

On his deathbed, David told his son Solomon, the future king, to “be strong and show yourself a man” (1 Kings 2:2, English Standard Version). David’s life was one of action, bravery, and boldness. He was well aware that his son would require these same qualities to lead the nation effectively. God commanded the first man to have dominion over the earth and all its creatures. Moreover, He said to take care of and maintain his environment (Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:15).

God’s Charge to Men

God made a man with these tasks to rule, administer, care for, and protect. Man has changed this role over time. Adam and his descendants were told to be decisive, assertive, and rule over the earth, but man has changed this over time.

God’s Word is replete with examples of men who lived masculine lives as a chronicle of thousands of years of human history. David, who was probably only a teenager, was not afraid to take on the colossal Goliath. Noah defied his neighbors and friends for 120 years to build the ark that saved him and his family.

Abraham showed courage and determination in obeying God’s command to relocate his family to Canaan. He later led a private army to save his nephew Lot.

According to ancient sources, Moses, who was educated in the pharaoh’s court, became not only a scholar but also a general commanding the Egyptian army. God used his abilities to defy Pharaoh and deliver ancient Israel from Egyptian slavery. Moses, nearing the end of his tenure as leader of the nation of Israel, anointed Joshua as his successor. “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them…” he says to the younger man. “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” NIV (Deuteronomy 31:7)

Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian elders included the following telling passage: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV).

Paul, who was stoned and beaten for his faith, knew that being a Christian in the early Roman Empire took courage and fortitude. These are manly examples that young men should strive to emulate.