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πραΰτης

praÿtēs

G4240 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Quality of gentleness; a disposition or state characterized by gentleness, mildness, and even-tempered restraint. In certain contexts, denotes the capacity to endure provocation without aggression or to yield one’s rights for the sake of harmony. Sometimes extends to an attitude of consideration toward others, particularly where one’s own strength or personal prerogatives are subordinated for the common good.

Semantic Range

gentleness, mildness, even-temperedness, non-retaliation, humility (in the sense of restrained strength), forbearance, self-controlled patience

Root / Etymology

From the adjective πραΰς (praÿs, gentle, mild, meek) with the abstract noun suffix -της (-tēs), forming a substantive that denotes the state or quality of being gentle or mild. The root πρα- conveys ideas of gentleness and controlled strength.

Historical & Contextual Notes

πραΰτης appears in both classical and Hellenistic Greek, though infrequently, and becomes more prominent in philosophical and ethical discussions (e.g., Aristotle, where it refers to the virtue of gentleness as a mean between excessive anger and apathy). In the Septuagint and New Testament literature, πραΰτης is closely associated with virtuous character, sometimes contrasted with anger or harshness (Gal 5:23, Col 3:12). It should not be confused with weakness or timidity; rather, it indicates strength under control, a deliberate choice of non-retaliation. English 'meekness' in many translations inadequately captures the nuance of controlled power and benevolent restraint inherent in πραΰτης. The term may connote humility in the sense of the absence of self-assertion, but its primary focus is on gentle strength and considerate conduct towards others. In philosophical texts, πραΰτης is the virtuous disposition to manage one's temper thoughtfully. In biblical contexts, it often describes an attitude commended for community life and leadership (e.g., Numbers 12:3 LXX, referring to Moses). Related terms: πραΰς (gentle), ἐπιείκεια (reasonableness, forbearance).

Translation Consistency

primary "gentleness" 10 occurrences

Most common and natural English equivalent in the SILEX range; it covers mildness, forbearance, non-retaliation, humility-as-restrained-strength, and is the dominant rendering in the existing occurrences (7 of 11). "Gentleness" is clear, contemporary, and consistent for all forms of G4240.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"gentle restraint" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πραΰς; mildness, i.e. (by implication) humility:--meekness.

Root Family

πρα- (prâios) — gentle, mild, kind

Root πρα- gentle, mild, calm disposition
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4235 πρᾷος
G4239 πραΰς gentle ones

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4240-04 πραΰτητος prautetos N GEN F SG gentleness of gentleness of gentleness 5
G4240-03 πραΰτητι prauteti N DAT F SG gentleness with gentleness gentleness 3
G4240-02 πραΰτητα prauteta N ACC F SG gentleness gentleness gentleness 2
G4240-01 πραΰτης prautes N NOM F SG meekness gentle restraint gentle restraint 1

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4240-04 1 Corinthians 4:21 πραΰτητος prautetos N GEN F SG of gentleness of gentleness of gentleness
G4240-04 2 Corinthians 10:1 πραΰτητος prautetos N GEN F SG meekness of gentleness gentleness
G4240-01 Galatians 5:23 πραΰτης prautes N NOM F SG meekness gentle restraint gentle restraint
G4240-04 Galatians 6:1 πραΰτητος prautetos N GEN F SG of gentleness of gentleness of gentleness
G4240-04 Ephesians 4:2 πραΰτητος prautetos N GEN F SG gentleness of gentleness of gentleness
G4240-02 Colossians 3:12 πραΰτητα prauteta N ACC F SG gentleness gentleness gentleness
G4240-03 2 Timothy 2:25 πραΰτητι prauteti N DAT F SG gentleness with gentleness gentleness
G4240-02 Titus 3:2 πραΰτητα prauteta N ACC F SG meekness gentleness gentleness
G4240-03 James 1:21 πραΰτητι prauteti N DAT F SG meekness with gentleness gentleness
G4240-03 James 3:13 πραΰτητι prauteti N DAT F SG gentleness with gentleness gentleness
G4240-04 1 Peter 3:16 πραΰτητος prautetos N GEN F SG gentleness of gentleness gentleness
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