ἐπιεικής (epieikēs)
epieikēs
gentle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epieikēs describes a quality of being fair, gentle, and reasonable in dealing with others. It goes beyond simple kindness to suggest an equitable mindset that considers the circumstances of another person. In the New Testament, this word appears five times, often linked with humility or gentleness as a mark of mature Christian character.
Its usage highlights a balanced approach to justice and mercy. For instance, Paul urges believers to let their epieikēs nature be known to everyone (Philippians 4:5), while James identifies it as a key trait of heavenly wisdom (James 3:17). It is also used to describe the fair treatment expected in social relationships, such as slaves showing respect to their masters (1 Peter 2:18) and Titus advising older men to be gentle (Titus 3:2).
The term combines a sense of reason with flexibility, implying that strict rules are tempered by graciousness. This "sweet reasonableness" allows for forbearance without compromising integrity, offering a model for how believers should interact in difficult social dynamics.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epieikēs invites us into a posture of fair-mindedness that balances justice with grace. It is not merely about being soft or avoiding conflict, but about approaching others with a spirit that considers their circumstances and limitations. This kind of gentleness reflects the character of God, who deals with us in patience and understanding rather than strict retribution.
When we practice this quality, we create space for peace in our relationships. Paul encourages believers to let this gentle nature be known to everyone, suggesting it is a visible mark of faith. By choosing reasonableness over rigidity, we mirror the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure and full of mercy.
Prayer: Lord, help us to show gentleness in our daily interactions. Guide our words so they reflect Your fair and loving heart. May our lives display a spirit of peace that draws others closer to You. Amen.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gentle,4×
- gentleness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιεικῆ,1×
- ἐπιεικής,1×
- ἐπιεικέσιν,1×
- ἐπιεικὲς1×
- ἐπιεικεῖς,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Paul presents gentleness as a public witness, urging believers to make this quality known to all people as evidence of the Lord's nearness.
-
James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
James identifies gentleness as a defining trait of heavenly wisdom, linking it directly to peace and mercy in community life.
-
Titus 3:2
to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
This verse connects gentleness with humility, showing how believers should treat others without contention or malice.