2261. épios

Lexicon

épios: Gentle, kind

Original Word: ἤπιος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: épios
Pronunciation: AY-pee-os
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-pee-os)
Definition: Gentle, kind
Meaning: placid, gentle, mild.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

gentle.

Probably from epos; properly, affable, i.e. Mild or kind -- gentle.

see GREEK epos

HELPS Word-studies

2261 ḗpios (an adjective derived from 2031 /épos, "to speak," J. Thayer) – properly, gentle (affable, mild), referring to calming words that bring God's order to a situation. 2261 (ḗpios) is used only in 2 Tim 2:24. 2261 /ḗpios ("gentle faith-speaking") happens as we yield to God – i.e. are committed to handling matters according to His preferred-will (2307 /thélēma). It describes the believer acting even-handedly, avoiding unnecessary harshness or excess by speaking into a situation that God reveals. Demonstrating such a congenial disposition means forthrightly speaking God's Word into people's lives as He reveals it through faith. Accordingly, 2261 (ḗpios) and faith (4102 /pístis) are directly connected in the NT (see 2 Tim 2:22-24).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
gentle, mild
NASB Translation
gentle (1), kind (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2261: ἤπιος

ἤπιος, ἠπια, ἤπιον, rarely of two terminations, (apparently derived from ἔπος, εἰπεῖν, so that it properly means affable (so Etym. Magn. 434, 20; but cf. Vanicek, p. 32)); from Homer down; mild, gentle: 1 Thessalonians 2:7 (where L WH νήπιος, which see at the end); πρός τινα, 2 Timothy 2:24.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from a primary root of uncertain affinity.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἤπιος, the concept of gentleness can be found in several Hebrew words, such as:

• Strong's Hebrew 7390 (רַךְ, rak): Meaning tender or soft, often used to describe a gentle or tender heart.
• Strong's Hebrew 6035 (עָנָו, anav): Meaning humble or meek, which can convey a sense of gentleness in demeanor.

These Hebrew terms, like ἤπιος, emphasize the importance of a gentle and humble spirit, reflecting a heart aligned with God's character and purposes.

Usage: The word ἤπιος is used in the New Testament to describe a gentle and kind disposition, often in the context of leadership or pastoral care.

Context: The Greek word ἤπιος appears in the New Testament to describe a quality of character that is essential for those in positions of leadership and care within the Christian community. It is used to emphasize the importance of a gentle and nurturing approach, particularly in the context of spiritual guidance and teaching.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, the Apostle Paul uses ἤπιος to describe his conduct among the Thessalonians: "On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children." Here, Paul highlights the nurturing and tender care he and his companions exhibited, likening it to the gentle care of a mother for her child. This usage underscores the importance of gentleness in ministry and relationships within the church.

Similarly, in 2 Timothy 2:24, Paul instructs Timothy on the qualities of a servant of the Lord: "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient." Although the word ἤπιος is not directly used in this verse, the concept of gentleness is implicit in the qualities Paul lists, reinforcing the idea that those who serve in the church should embody a gentle spirit.

The concept of ἤπιος is closely related to the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, where gentleness is listed as a characteristic of a life led by the Spirit. This connection highlights the divine origin of true gentleness, as it is a reflection of God's own character and a result of His work in the believer's life.

Forms and Transliterations

ήπιοι ηπιον ἤπιον ήτιον epion ēpion ḗpion

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 2:24 Adj-AMS
GRK: μάχεσθαι ἀλλὰ ἤπιον εἶναι πρὸς
NAS: not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all,
KJV: but be gentle unto all
INT: to contend but gentle to be toward

Strong's Greek 2261
1 Occurrence

ἤπιον — 1 Occ.