Lexical Summary praus: Meek, gentle, humble Original Word: πραΰς 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: πραΰςπραΰς, see πρᾷός. Topical Lexicon Definition and Essence of MeeknessStrong’s Greek 4239 conveys a heart-attitude of inward gentleness that manifests as humble strength under God’s control. It is not weakness, timidity, or lack of conviction; rather, it is the gracious refusal to advance one’s own cause by force, trusting the Lord to vindicate and exalt in His time. Meekness therefore unites lowliness of self-evaluation with resolute dependence on divine sovereignty. Key New Testament Occurrences Matthew 5:5 sets the tone for the term in Kingdom ethics: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” The promise links meekness with eschatological reward, echoing Psalm 37:11 and asserting that those who relinquish self-assertion now will receive global dominion in the age to come. Matthew 11:29 presents Jesus as the personal embodiment of meekness: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Here the quality invites discipleship; the Savior’s own posture becomes the curriculum for those weary of self-reliance. Matthew 21:5 cites Zechariah 9:9 to describe Messiah’s royal entry: “See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.” Meekness here is royal yet approachable, subverting contemporary expectations of a conquering liberator and revealing God’s preference for redemptive humility over political force. 1 Peter 3:4 applies the term to Christian conduct, especially among believing wives: “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” Apostolic instruction elevates meekness as an imperishable adornment in contrast to external finery, rooting its worth in God’s appraisal rather than cultural fashion. Christ as the Supreme Example Jesus Christ does not merely teach meekness; He incarnates it. From the manger to the cross, His life displays voluntary submission to the Father’s will. The triumphal entry showcases regal meekness; His silence before Pilate demonstrates patience under provocation; His prayer for forgiveness on the cross epitomizes non-retaliation. Accordingly, Christian meekness is Christocentric, deriving shape and strength from union with Him. The Meek in the Kingdom Ethic In the Sermon on the Mount, meekness stands centrally among the Beatitudes, bridging poverty of spirit and hunger for righteousness. It addresses interpersonal relationships: the meek refuse to exploit others, surrender their rights without resentment, and actively seek reconciliation. Such attitudes invert worldly hierarchies, foreshadowing the great reversal when the last become first. Apostolic Teaching and Fruit of the Spirit Paul uses a cognate noun in Galatians 5:23 when listing “gentleness” as proof of Spirit-governed life, binding meekness to sanctification. He urges believers to “restore” a fallen brother “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1), confirming its pastoral necessity. James likewise exhorts, “receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21), showing that teachability is its intellectual face. Old Testament Background Hebrew Scripture supplies the conceptual seedbed, especially the portrait of Moses as “very meek, more than all people on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). Psalm 37, with its refrain that the meek will inherit the land, informs Matthew 5:5. The Servant Songs (Isaiah 42 and 53) anticipate a Messiah whose quiet submission achieves global justice, themes fulfilled in the Gospel narratives. Historical Context First-century Greco-Roman society prized honor, status, and public self-assertion. Against that backdrop, meekness appeared counter-cultural, even shameful. The early church’s embrace of this virtue testified that its allegiance lay with the crucified and risen Lord rather than prevailing social norms. By adopting meekness, believers formed a distinct community marked by non-retaliation, mutual service, and unwavering confidence in divine vindication. Ministry Significance Pastoral leadership: Elders are to guide “not domineering over those in your charge” (1 Peter 5:3). Meekness reinforces servant leadership, enabling correction without quarrelsomeness (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Evangelism: Meekness softens opposition. Peter instructs, “always be ready to give a defense… yet do so with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16). The attitude commends the gospel by reflecting its Author. Discipleship: Because Jesus invites disciples to “learn from Me,” formation in meekness becomes a lifelong pursuit, cultivated through prayer, Scripture, and Spirit-empowered obedience. Conflict resolution: Meekness restrains anger, seeks understanding, and leaves room for God’s justice, thereby preserving unity within the body. Church History Early apologists such as Justin Martyr highlighted Christian meekness as evidence of supernatural transformation. Reformers noted that the doctrine of justification by faith produces meek believers, freed from self-righteous striving. Modern missions history records the power of meekness in pioneers like William Carey and Hudson Taylor, who endured opposition without vindictiveness, thereby opening doors for the gospel. Cultivating Meekness Today 1. Contemplate Christ: Regular meditation on the Gospels fosters admiration and imitation. Promise for the Future The inheritance pledged in Matthew 5:5 reaches its climax in the new heavens and new earth, where the meek—shaped into Christ’s likeness—will reign with Him. Present humility thus anticipates eternal honor, confirming that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). 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 praǜsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:5 Adj-NMPGRK: 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 Matthew 21:5 Adj-NMS 1 Peter 3:4 Adj-GNS Strong's Greek 4239 |
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