πραϋπαθία (praupathia)
praupathia
gentleness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun praupathia appears only once in the New Testament, found in First Timothy 6:11. It translates as gentleness, capturing a disposition of mildness and freedom from harshness or irritability. This rare term describes the character quality expected of those who pursue righteousness, faith, and love.
Textual evidence suggests this word is likely a scribal error for prautes (G4236), which means meekness or humility and appears frequently in pastoral epistles. Several important manuscripts substitute prautes here, indicating that early copyists may have confused the similar-looking Greek letters. Despite its scarcity, the concept aligns with the broader biblical call for leaders to exhibit patience and kindness rather than aggression.
Because of this textual uncertainty, translators often rely on the variant reading to convey the intended meaning. The distinction matters less than the underlying virtue: a calm, gentle spirit that resists the urge to dominate or retaliate. This single occurrence highlights how minor variations in ancient texts can shape our understanding of specific ethical instructions for Christian conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word praupathia appears only once in the New Testament, in First Timothy 6:11. It sits alongside righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and perseverance as a quality to pursue. The text invites you to follow these virtues rather than chase after conflict or harshness.
Most scholars believe this is a scribal variation for prautes, meaning meekness or humility. This rare spelling does not change the core message. You are called to a calm spirit that resists the urge to dominate or retaliate. In moments of tension, this gentle disposition offers a quiet strength.
Whether you lead a team or care for a family, this virtue invites patience over pride. It reminds us that true power often looks like kindness. May you find peace in pursuing these traits daily.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [and] gentleness;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πραϋπαθίαν·1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 6:11
But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
This verse lists gentleness alongside righteousness and love as active pursuits for the believer, contrasting with fleeing negative behaviors.