16:13

carry on in a manly way: Or “be courageous.” The Greek word used here (an·driʹzo·mai) is a verb drawn from the noun a·nerʹ, meaning “a man; a male.” While it literally means “to act like a man,” the primary idea is that of being courageous or brave, which is how it is rendered in many translations. Paul wrote these words to all in the congregation, so women too were to show such courage. Although Paul here encourages Christians to show manly courage, he also describes himself and his companions as being “gentle” and acting like “a nursing mother.” (1Th 2:7) The Greek verb an·driʹzo·mai occurs only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures, but it is used more than 20 times in the Septuagint to render synonymous Hebrew expressions that mean “be courageous; be strong.” For example, it is used three times at De 31:6, 7, 23, where Moses commanded the people and Joshua to “be courageous.” It is also used three times at Jos 1:6, 7, 9, where Jehovah told Joshua to “be . . . strong.”