πραότης (praotēs)
praotēs
gentleness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun praotēs describes a quality of gentle strength, often translated as gentleness or meekness. It is not weakness, but rather self-control and a calm demeanor in the face of provocation. The sources link it to the adjective praus, which originally described a tamed horse—powerful yet obedient. This imagery suggests a person who possesses strength but chooses to direct it with restraint and kindness.
Paul uses this term frequently to describe Christian character, listing it as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23. He also appeals for it in his interactions, asking the Corinthians to meet him with praotēs rather than a rod (1 Corinthians 4:21). In Titus 3:2 and James 1:21, it is presented as an essential attitude for receiving truth and living wisely, contrasting sharply with arrogance or anger.
While English translations often use "meekness," this word can carry connotations of timidity that do not fully capture the Greek sense. Praotēs implies a steady, gentle confidence. It is the mark of those who are teachable and peaceful, as seen in James 3:13 where wisdom is shown by gentle conduct. The term appears eight times in the New Testament, highlighting its importance for community life and spiritual maturity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Gentleness, or praotēs, is not a sign of weakness but of controlled strength. Imagine a powerful horse that has been trained; it retains its power but chooses obedience and calm. This word describes a person who possesses inner strength yet directs it with restraint and kindness. It is the quiet confidence that allows us to remain steady when provoked or challenged.
In your daily life, this quality transforms how you interact with others. Instead of reacting with anger or defensiveness, gentleness invites peace. It creates space for truth to be heard and for relationships to heal. When we approach conflicts with a gentle spirit, we reflect the character of Christ, who used this same demeanor to correct and comfort.
This trait is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23, showing it is a gift from God rather than something we manufacture on our own. It helps us receive instruction with humility and offer correction without harshness. As you seek to grow in faith, ask for this gentle strength to guide your words and actions, fostering unity and understanding in your community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- humility2×
- gentleness,2×
- of gentleness?1×
- meekness1×
- gentleness1×
- [the] humility1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πραΰτητι3×
- πραΰτητος;¶1×
- πραΰτητος,1×
- πραΰτητος1×
- πραΰτητα,1×
- πραΰτητα1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 4:21
What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Paul offers the Corinthians a choice between harsh discipline and a spirit of gentleness, showing that this quality is a preferred method for pastoral correction.
-
II Timothy 2:25
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
This verse links gentleness directly to the act of correcting opponents, suggesting it is the necessary tone for effective spiritual instruction.
-
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
James identifies gentle conduct as the visible evidence of true wisdom, contrasting it with bitter envy or selfish ambition.