4239. praus

Lexicon

praus: Meek, gentle, humble

Original Word: πραΰς
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: praus
Pronunciation: prah-oos'
Phonetic Spelling: (prah-ooce')
Definition: Meek, gentle, humble
Meaning: mild, gentle.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

meek.

Apparently a primary word; mild, i.e. (by implication) humble -- meek. See also praios.

see GREEK praios

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4239 praýs (also listed as 4239a/praupathia in NAS dictionary) – meek. See 4236 (praótēs).

This difficult-to-translate root (pra-) means more than "meek." Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness.

[The English term "meek" often lacks this blend – i.e. of gentleness (reserve) and strength.]

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4239: πραΰς

πραΰς, see πρᾷός.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root πραΰτης (prautēs), which signifies mildness or gentleness.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek concept of πραΰς is closely related to the Hebrew word עָנָו (anav), Strong's Hebrew 6035, which is often translated as "humble" or "meek." This Hebrew term appears in passages such as Numbers 12:3, describing Moses as "very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth," highlighting the esteemed nature of meekness in both the Old and New Testaments.

Usage: The word πραΰς is used in the New Testament to describe a quality of character that is highly valued in the Christian life. It is often associated with humility and a gentle demeanor, reflecting a Christ-like attitude.

Context: The Greek word πραΰς appears in several key passages in the New Testament, highlighting its importance in Christian teaching. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." This beatitude underscores the value of meekness as a virtue that leads to divine blessing and inheritance. The term is also used in Matthew 11:29, where Jesus describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart," inviting believers to learn from His example.

In 1 Peter 3:4, the apostle Peter encourages women to cultivate "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." Here, πραΰς is associated with inner beauty and spiritual value, emphasizing its significance beyond outward appearances.

The concept of πραΰς is not merely about passive submission but involves an active choice to exercise self-control and patience, even in the face of provocation. It reflects a deep trust in God and a commitment to His ways, often manifesting in a peaceful and non-retaliatory demeanor.

The virtue of meekness is integral to the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:23, where gentleness is listed among the qualities that the Holy Spirit cultivates in believers. This underscores the transformative power of God's Spirit in developing a character that mirrors Christ's own gentleness and humility.

Forms and Transliterations

ἡσυχίου πρα=ν πρα=ς πραεις πραείς πραεῖς πραέος πραέων πραεως πραέως πραυς πραύς πραΰς πραῢς esuchiou ēsuchiou hesychiou hesychíou hēsychiou hēsychíou praeis praeîs praus praǘs praǜs

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 5:5 Adj-NMP
GRK: μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς ὅτι αὐτοὶ
NAS: Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit
KJV: Blessed [are] the meek: for they
INT: Blessed the meek for they

Matthew 11:29 Adj-NMS
GRK: ἐμοῦ ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ
NAS: from Me, for I am gentle and humble
INT: me for gentle I am and

Matthew 21:5 Adj-NMS
GRK: ἔρχεταί σοι πραῢς καὶ ἐπιβεβηκὼς
NAS: IS COMING TO YOU, GENTLE, AND MOUNTED
KJV: cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting
INT: comes to you gentle and mounted

1 Peter 3:4 Adj-GNS
GRK: ἀφθάρτῳ τοῦ πραέως καὶ ἡσυχίου
NAS: with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet
KJV: that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and
INT: imperishable [beauty] of the gentle and quiet

Strong's Greek 4239
4 Occurrences

πραεῖς — 1 Occ.
πραέως — 1 Occ.
πραΰς — 2 Occ.