What does stout-hearted mean in the Tanakh?

Stout-hearted is a term used in the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, to describe individuals who possess courage, strength, and determination. The term appears several times in the Tanakh, often in the context of battle or conflict.

One example of the use of stout-hearted in the Tanakh can be found in Psalm 76:5-6, where it is written, "The stouthearted have been spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands. At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep."

Here, the term is used to describe the enemies of the psalmist, who have been defeated and destroyed by God's power. The stouthearted are those who were once considered strong and mighty but have been brought to ruin.

In other parts of the Tanakh, stout-hearted is used to describe individuals who exhibit great courage and strength in the face of adversity. For example, in Judges 5:15, it is written, "And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah, even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart."

Here, the term is used to describe the bravery of the princes of Issachar and Barak, who fought alongside Deborah in a battle against the Canaanites.

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Jamie Larson
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