ἐπιείκεια (epieikeia)
epieikeia
gentleness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epieikeia denotes a quality of character marked by fairness, moderation, and gentle reasonableness. It describes a mindset that refuses to cling rigidly to strict legal rights when doing so would cause unnecessary harm or offense. Instead, it reflects a willingness to yield and accommodate others, prioritizing peace and mutual respect over technical precision.
This term appears in only two New Testament passages: Acts 24:4 and 2 Corinthians 10:1. In Acts, the apostle Paul asks his listeners to grant him this "fairness" or "forbearance," appealing to their sense of justice as he defends himself before Felix. In 2 Corinthians, Paul pairs it with gentleness (prautes), presenting these traits together as evidence of his spiritual authority and maturity.
Etymologically, the word suggests a disposition that is "above" or "beyond" mere strictness. It implies a noble condescension, where a person in power chooses to be lenient rather than demanding their full due. Translators often render it as "gentleness" or "fairness," though these English words can sometimes feel too passive; the Greek concept carries the active weight of choosing mercy over strict justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epieikeia invites us to look beyond strict rules and consider the heart of the person before us. It is not about weakness or passivity, but a deliberate choice to prioritize peace and mutual respect over winning an argument or enforcing every technical right. This kind of fairness reflects a noble character that values relationships more than being correct.
In our daily lives, this means slowing down when tensions rise. Instead of demanding our full due, we can choose to yield in small ways to keep the peace. It is a quiet strength that says, 'Your well-being matters as much as my position.' This approach builds trust and opens doors for deeper understanding.
When we practice this gentle reasonableness, we reflect a maturity that comes from spiritual growth. It allows us to navigate conflicts with grace, showing others that we care about them more than being right. This quality is a gift to those around us, creating space for healing and connection in our communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- kindness.1×
- gentleness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιεικείᾳ.1×
- ἐπιεικείας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:4
But that I don’t delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.
Paul uses this term to ask for patience and fair hearing, showing how it functions as a request for reasonable accommodation rather than strict legal judgment.
-
II Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
Paul links this gentleness with humility to demonstrate that true spiritual authority is expressed through considerate behavior, not harsh demands.