In the Bible, the Hebrew word for “he” is “הוּא” (hu), which serves as a pronoun referring to a male individual or emphasizing a subject. It signifies identity or distinction in passages where the subject’s actions or attributes are being discussed.
Scripture
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
Hebrew Meaning of “He” in the Bible
The Hebrew pronoun “הוּא” (hu) encompasses more than just a grammatical function; it also reflects deeper themes of identity, distinction, and the nature of God throughout the Scriptures. In Genesis 1:26-27, when God creates humanity in His image, the use of “he” can convey a sense of individuality and relationality, indicating that humanity was created with purpose and dignity. The phrase “let us make man in our image” followed by the statement “so God created man in His own image” highlights the dual significance of ‘he’ as both a representation of the divine and the unique creation of humans.
Furthermore, the use of “hu” in sacred texts resonates in the context of covenantal identity. In Exodus 3:14, when God reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (or “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh”), it emphasizes the steadfastness and self-definition of God. The distinctness of “he” in referring to God establishes His sovereignty and eternal presence, reinforcing the notion that God is a personal being who engages with humanity. It also shapes the understanding of Israel’s identity throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Here, “he” forms a link between the understanding of God as a singular entity and the communal identity of Israel as His chosen people. Thus, “hu” embodies themes of personal identity, divine relationship, and the foundational beliefs that shape the life and faith of God’s people.
The Hebrew pronoun “הוּא” (hu), while serving a grammatical purpose, embodies rich theological implications that resonate throughout the narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures. In instances of speech or proclamation, “hu” often acts as a definitive identifier, allowing characters in the biblical text to assert their identities to God and others. For example, in several prophetic books, prophets use “hu” to clarify God’s unique characteristics and to proclaim His justice and righteousness. This not only underscores the distinct personhood of God but also highlights His active role in guiding and sometimes correcting His people.
Moreover, the concept of “he” transcends the narrative itself, weaving into the fabric of worship and communal identity within Israelite society. During moments of collective worship or when expressing allegiance, such as in the Book of Psalms, the use of “hu” underscores the believer’s recognition of God’s sovereignty and transcendence. It prompts the community to articulate their faith in a singular God who is both distinct from creation yet intimately involved with their lives. This duality enhances the understanding of “he” as a bridge between divine omnipotence and personal relationship. Consequently, “hu” serves as a profound reminder of God’s ongoing presence in the life of His people, reinforcing an understanding of divine identity that is both personal and communal, while also calling the faithful to reflect this understanding in their own identities as bearers of God’s name in the world.
The Divine Masculine Representation
In Hebrew, the pronoun “he” often signifies a masculine aspect that is deeply intertwined with the concept of God. This representation emphasizes the authority, strength, and leadership qualities attributed to the divine. The use of “he” in reference to God reflects traditional views of masculinity, which can influence the understanding of God’s nature and character in the biblical narrative.
The Covenant Relationship
The pronoun “he” also plays a crucial role in the context of covenant relationships within the Hebrew Bible. When referring to God as “he,” it underscores the personal and relational aspect of God with His people. This usage highlights the commitment and fidelity expected in the covenant, portraying God as a faithful partner who engages with humanity in a profound and intimate manner.
The Role of Humanity
In a broader sense, the use of “he” can also reflect the role of humanity in the biblical text. It often denotes the male figure in the context of creation and societal roles, which can lead to discussions about gender dynamics and responsibilities within the community. This aspect invites exploration of how these roles are perceived and the implications they have for understanding human relationships and societal structures in biblical times.
How to Seek Divine Presence for Spiritual Growth
Seeking the divine presence in your life is a deeply personal journey that can profoundly enhance your spiritual growth. Start by carving out quiet moments in your day—whether through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in silence—to invite God into your thoughts and feelings. Reflect on Scripture, allowing the words to resonate within you; consider keeping a journal to document your insights and prayers. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you, as fellowship can illuminate your path. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress; be open to the ways God may be speaking to you, whether through nature, relationships, or those quiet nudges in your heart. As you cultivate this awareness, you’ll find that the divine presence is not just something to seek, but a constant companion guiding you toward deeper faith and understanding.
Bible References to the Hebrew Word “He”:
Genesis 2:7-8: 7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Genesis 3:22-24: 22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—”
23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.
24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
Exodus 3:13-15: 13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
Exodus 6:2-3: 2 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord.
3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5: 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Isaiah 9:6-7: 6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 40:28-31: 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Jeremiah 23:5-6: 5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
Ezekiel 34:11-16: 11 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.
12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
14 I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel.
15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God.
16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.
Daniel 7:13-14: 13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
Hosea 11:1-4: 1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led them with cords of kindness,
with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
and I bent down to them and fed them.
Micah 5:2-4: 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
Zechariah 12:10-11: 10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.”
11 On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
Malachi 3:1-3: 1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.”
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.