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H582 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֱנוֹשׁ
enosh
Noun (masculine)
mortal man, mankind, person

Definition

Enosh refers to human beings with an emphasis on their weakness, fragility, and mortality. Derived from a root meaning "to be frail" or "to be weak," it stands in contrast to God's eternal power and sufficiency. It appears about 42 times in the OT, often in poetic and wisdom literature.

Closely related to adam (the general word for man/humanity, H120) and ish (man as individual/husband, H376), enosh highlights the creatureliness and transience of the human condition — the breath-like frailty of life before the Almighty.

Usage & Theological Significance

Psalm 8:4 asks the key question of human dignity in tension with human insignificance: "What is enosh that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?" The answer that follows (crowned with glory and honor) is astonishing — God's condescension to humanity is an act of sheer grace.

Psalm 90:3 (Moses's prayer) uses enosh in the context of divine wrath and human transience: "You turn mortals (enosh) back to dust, saying, 'Return to dust, you mortals.'" Life is a gift held lightly before God.

The name Enosh (Genesis 4:26) — grandson of Adam — is associated with the beginning of calling on the name of YHWH. Weak, mortal humanity is invited to pray and worship the eternal God. This is the gospel pattern: our frailty sends us to His strength.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 8:4 What is mortal man (enosh) that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 90:3 You turn mortals (enosh) back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, you mortals."
Job 7:17 What is mankind (enosh) that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention?
Isaiah 51:12 I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men (enosh), the sons of men, who are but grass?
Genesis 4:26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD.

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