Husband, Master or Lord?
Learn Biblical Hebrew online
One title, many meanings

One of the more common words in Hebrew for “husband” is “baʻal” (בַּעַל), but this term also has other meanings – including “master” or “lord”. It even serves as the name of Baal – the notorious Canaanite deity. All of this can be a bit confusing, especially considering the meaning of this word when it refers to the husband and his role in the marriage relationship.


Master or Husband?

The first word used for “husband” in Genesis is “ish” (אִישׁ), literally meaning “man” with a neutral connotation. In Hosea, God rejects “baʻal”, (“husband” in Hebrew), because of its connotations of a merciless master and pagan deity. Instead He identifies himself as an approachable, personal companion. He asks Israel to use “ʼishi” (אִישִׁי – literally “my man”) when relating to him, “You will call me ‘My Husband’ (ishi) and no longer call me ‘My Master’ (baʻali).”


Redefine Your Relationship with the Bible

Two Hebrew words can often be translated into a single English word, which causes some meanings to be lost in translation. These differences often reflect an important contrast with far-reaching implications in everyday life. Now is the time to redefine your own relationship with the Bible. Enroll in our live online courses and make Biblical Hebrew your own “companion” that will guide you through the Scripture.

Husband, Master or Lord?
Learn Biblical Hebrew online
One title, many meanings

One of the more common words in Hebrew for “husband” is “baʻal” (בַּעַל), but this term also has other meanings – including “master” or “lord”. It even serves as the name of Baal – the notorious Canaanite deity. All of this can be a bit confusing, especially considering the meaning of this word when it refers to the husband and his role in the marriage relationship.


Master or Husband?

The first word used for “husband” in Genesis is “ish” (אִישׁ), literally meaning “man” with a neutral connotation. In Hosea, God rejects “baʻal”, (“husband” in Hebrew), because of its connotations of a merciless master and pagan deity. Instead He identifies himself as an approachable, personal companion. He asks Israel to use “ʼishi” (אִישִׁי – literally “my man”) when relating to him, “You will call me ‘My Husband’ (ishi) and no longer call me ‘My Master’ (baʻali).”


Redefine Your Relationship with the Bible

Two Hebrew words can often be translated into a single English word, which causes some meanings to be lost in translation. These differences often reflect an important contrast with far-reaching implications in everyday life. Now is the time to redefine your own relationship with the Bible. Enroll in our live online courses and make Biblical Hebrew your own “companion” that will guide you through the Scripture.

Husband, Master or Lord?
Learn Biblical Hebrew online
One title, many meanings

One of the more common words in Hebrew for “husband” is “baʻal” (בַּעַל), but this term also has other meanings – including “master” or “lord”. It even serves as the name of Baal – the notorious Canaanite deity. All of this can be a bit confusing, especially considering the meaning of this word when it refers to the husband and his role in the marriage relationship.


Master or Husband?

The first word used for “husband” in Genesis is “ish” (אִישׁ), literally meaning “man” with a neutral connotation. In Hosea, God rejects “baʻal”, (“husband” in Hebrew), because of its connotations of a merciless master and pagan deity. Instead He identifies himself as an approachable, personal companion. He asks Israel to use “ʼishi” (אִישִׁי – literally “my man”) when relating to him, “You will call me ‘My Husband’ (ishi) and no longer call me ‘My Master’ (baʻali).”


Redefine Your Relationship with the Bible

Two Hebrew words can often be translated into a single English word, which causes some meanings to be lost in translation. These differences often reflect an important contrast with far-reaching implications in everyday life. Now is the time to redefine your own relationship with the Bible. Enroll in our live online courses and make Biblical Hebrew your own “companion” that will guide you through the Scripture.