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G4239 (πραΰς)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4239
Original Word: πραΰς
Transliteration: praÿs
Pronunciation: prah-ooce'
Part of Speech: adjective
Root / Etymology: apparently a primary word;
Frequency: 3×
Gematria: 781

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 mild, i.e. (by implication) humble

meek

apparently a primary word;

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4239: An adjective describing a person who is mild, gentle, and humble, yet possessing inner strength. In ancient Greek culture, it described a powerful force under perfect control, like a war horse trained for battle. In biblical usage, it represents strength submitted to God's control.

U- Unveiling the Word

πραΰς embodies a concept that challenges modern misconceptions about meekness and gentleness. In classical Greek, it described the perfect balance between strength and gentleness, often used of war horses trained to respond to the slightest touch of the reins. In the New Testament, this word takes on profound theological significance, particularly in Jesus' teaching about true blessing and His own character (Matthew 11:29). The early church fathers emphasized πραΰς as a cardinal Christian virtue, seeing it as the proper exercise of power in alignment with God's will. Today, this word continues to challenge our understanding of true strength and leadership.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: πραΰς, praus, prah-OOCE
Detailed Pronunciation: prah (as in 'father') + ooce (as in 'loose')
Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

Root: πρα- (pra-) - mild, gentle
Ending: -ύς (-us) - forms masculine adjectives
The combination creates an adjective expressing controlled strength

D - Defining Meanings

Gentle yet strong
Mild-mannered
Power under control
Humble before God

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but represents a foundational concept in biblical ethics.

Translation Options:

Meek - Traditional translation, though often misunderstood
Gentle-spirited - Captures the internal quality
Strength under control - Dynamic equivalent that conveys the full concept

E - Exploring Similar Words

ἐπιεικής (epieikēs) [ep-ee-ay-KACE] - reasonable, fair, more focused on external behavior
ταπεινός (tapeinos) [tap-ay-NOS] - humble, emphasizing lowliness
See G4239

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As an adjective, πραΰς exhibits:

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular, Plural
Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
Declension: Third declension

Examples:

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Masculine singular: πραΰς
Feminine singular: πραεῖα
Neuter singular: πραΰ
Masculine plural: πραεῖς

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word's connection to controlled strength rather than weakness. Thayer's highlights its use in describing those who are mild in disposition while maintaining inner strength. LSJ provides evidence of its use in military contexts. Vine's stresses that it represents neither weakness nor cowardice but rather power under control. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence in papyri, suggesting its specialized meaning.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
"Blessed are the [πραΰς] meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5

Additional References:
Matthew 11:29, Matthew 21:5, 1 Peter 3:4

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Xenophon: On Horsemanship	"The most spirited war horses become [πραΰς] gentle when properly trained, while maintaining their courage."
Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics	"The [πραΰς] gentle person is praised for being angry at the right things and with the right people."
Plato: Republic	"The guardian must be both [πραΰς] gentle toward friends and fierce toward enemies."

N - Noteworthy Summary

πραΰς presents a revolutionary understanding of true strength - not as domination but as power perfectly submitted to God's control. This word proclaims the good news that King Jesus exemplifies and imparts this divine quality to His followers. It shows that in God's kingdom, true greatness comes through controlled strength used in service to others, following the example of our King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, gentle and humble in heart.

D - Did You Know?

This word was used in ancient horse-training manuals to describe the ideal temperament of a war horse.
Jesus used this term to describe Himself only once, in Matthew 11:29.
In ancient Greek medical texts, it described the gentle application of powerful medicines.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: meekness, gentleness, strength, character, beatitudes, Jesus' teachings, Christian virtues, discipleship, humility, power under control, biblical keywords

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