4236. praotés

Lexicon

praotés: Gentleness, meekness

Original Word: πραότης
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: praotés
Pronunciation: prah-ot'-ace
Phonetic Spelling: (prah-ot'-ace)
Definition: Gentleness, meekness
Meaning: mildness, gentleness, meekness, kindness.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

meekness.

From praios; gentleness, by implication, humility -- meekness.

see GREEK praios

HELPS Word-studies

4236 praótēs– properly, temperate, displaying the right blend of force and reserve (gentleness). 4236 /praótēs ("strength in gentleness") avoids unnecessary harshness, yet without compromising or being too slow to use necessary force.

For the believer, 4236 /praótēs ("meekness") is the fruit (product) of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:23), i.e. it is never something humanly accomplished (or simply "biological").

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
variant reading for prautés, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4236: πραότης

πραότης (Rec. and Griesbach (except in James 1:21; James 3:13; 1 Peter 3:15); see the preceding word), πραότης (so Lachmann), and according to a later form πραΰτης (so R and G, but with the iota subscript under the alpha ἆ, in James 1:21; James 3:13; 1 Peter 3:15; Lachmann everywhere except in Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:2; Treg. everywhere (except in 2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 5:23 (22); ; Ephesians 4:2), T WH everywhere; cf. B. 26f (23f)), πρᾳότητος, ἡ, gentleness, mildness, meekness: 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 5:23 (22); ; Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Timothy 6:11 R; 2 Timothy 2:25; Titus 3:2; James 1:21; James 3:13; 1 Peter 3:16 (15). (Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates, Aristotle, Diodorus, Josephus, others; for עַנְוָה, Psalm 44:4 ()) (Synonym: see ἐπιείκεια, at the end; Trench (as there referred to, but especially) § xlii.; Lightfoot on Colossians 3:13.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek adjective πραΰς (praus), meaning "gentle" or "meek."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of πραότης in the Greek New Testament is closely related to the Hebrew term עֲנָוָה (anavah), which is often translated as "humility" or "meekness" in the Old Testament. This Hebrew term is found in passages such as Psalm 45:4 and Proverbs 15:33, where it similarly denotes a humble and gentle spirit.

Usage: The term πραότης is used in the New Testament to describe a virtue that believers are encouraged to cultivate. It is often associated with humility, patience, and a gentle spirit, particularly in interactions with others and in one's relationship with God.

Context: Praotēs is a significant term in the New Testament, reflecting a key aspect of Christian character. It is often translated as "gentleness" or "meekness" in English Bibles. This virtue is not to be confused with weakness; rather, it is strength under control. It involves a submissive and teachable spirit toward God, as well as a considerate and respectful demeanor toward others.

In the New Testament, πραότης is highlighted as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23, where it is listed among other virtues such as love, joy, and peace. This indicates that gentleness is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life.

Ephesians 4:2 encourages believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." Here, πραότης is linked with humility and patience, emphasizing its role in fostering unity and love within the Christian community.

In Colossians 3:12, believers are urged to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This metaphor of clothing suggests that gentleness should be an integral and visible part of a Christian's character.

James 1:21 advises believers to "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." This highlights the importance of a gentle and receptive attitude toward God's Word, allowing it to transform and guide one's life.

Overall, πραότης is a reflection of Christ's own character, as He described Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Believers are called to emulate this aspect of Christ's nature, demonstrating gentleness in their interactions with others and in their submission to God's will.

Forms and Transliterations

πραότης πραότητα πραότητι πραότητος

Englishman's Concordance

πρᾶγμα — 3 Occ.
πράγματι — 3 Occ.
πραγμάτων — 4 Occ.
πράγματος — 1 Occ.
πραγματείαις — 1 Occ.
πραγματεύσασθε — 1 Occ.
πραιτωρίῳ — 2 Occ.
πραιτώριον — 6 Occ.
πράκτωρ — 1 Occ.
πράκτορι — 1 Occ.
πράξεις — 2 Occ.
πράξεσιν — 1 Occ.
πρᾶξιν — 2 Occ.
πρασιαὶ — 2 Occ.
ἔπραξα — 1 Occ.
ἐπράξαμεν — 1 Occ.
ἔπραξαν — 1 Occ.
ἐπράξατε — 1 Occ.
ἔπραξεν — 2 Occ.
πέπραχά — 1 Occ.