4236. praotés

Strong's 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.

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

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - עֲנָוָה (anavah) - often translated as "humility" or "meekness" in the Old Testament.

- עָנָו (anav) - meaning "humble" or "meek."

Usage: In the New Testament, πραότης (praotés) is used to describe a quality of character that is marked by humility, gentleness, and a submissive spirit. It is often associated with a strength that is under control, reflecting a Christ-like demeanor. This term is not indicative of weakness but rather a deliberate choice to be gentle and humble, even in the face of provocation or adversity.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of meekness was often misunderstood as weakness or lack of courage. However, in the biblical context, it is a virtue that reflects strength of character and a deep trust in God. The ancient world valued power and dominance, but the Christian teaching of meekness stood in contrast, emphasizing inner strength and reliance on God’s sovereignty.

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.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

meekness.

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

see GREEK praios

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.