πρᾳότης
praiótēs
G4236
SILEX Entry
Definition
Gentleness—an attitude or condition of mildness, consideration, and restraint in one's dealings with others. Praiótēs extends to a spirit of non-violence, even-temperedness, and self-control, especially in situations of provocation. It can also denote humility, understood as a refusal to assert oneself over others, particularly when one has the right or power to do so. The term encompasses both outward action (gentle behavior) and inward disposition (gentle or humble spirit), and sometimes carries the sense of leniency or forbearance toward others' faults.
Semantic Range
gentleness, mildness of manner, even-temperedness, self-controlled restraint, humility, leniency, patient forbearance, considerate disposition
Root / Etymology
Derived from the adjective πρᾷος (praios), meaning 'gentle, mild, meek,' with the abstract noun-forming suffix -της (-tēs), indicating 'the quality or state of.' Cognate with other Greek words for mildness or gentleness but with a particular emphasis on active restraint and gentle forbearance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πρᾳότης primarily described a virtue of governing passions—restraint and measured response in interpersonal relations. Philosophers (e.g., Aristotle, 'Ethics' 4.5) lauded it as a mean between excessive anger and impassivity. In the Septuagint, it often renders Hebrew terms for 'humility' or 'meekness,' but connotations vary: sometimes emphasizing soft responses in conflict, sometimes a patient bearing under hardship. In the New Testament, πρᾳότης describes the ethical posture expected of followers of Jesus, particularly in community contexts (Gal. 5:23; Col. 3:12), and is closely linked to traits like forgiveness, forbearance, and proper self-estimation rather than passive weakness. English 'meekness' (in traditional translations) does not capture the active, deliberate restraint and principled gentle strength of the term; 'gentleness' or 'considerate humility' is often closer but still partial. Distinct from ἐπιεικεία ('reasonableness, equity') in nuance: πρᾳότης centers on internal disposition and temperament.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρᾷος; gentleness, by implication, humility:--meekness.
Root Family
πρᾷ- (praiótēs) — gentle, mild, calm, restrained
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.