Brief Overview of πραΰς (Strong’s G4239: praus)

Strong’s G4239: An adjective describing a person who is mild, gentle, and humble, yet possessing inner strength. In ancient Greek culture, it described a powerful force under perfect control, like a war horse trained for battle. In biblical usage, it represents strength submitted to God’s control.

U- Unveiling the Word

πραΰς embodies a concept that challenges modern misconceptions about meekness and gentleness. In classical Greek, it described the perfect balance between strength and gentleness, often used of war horses trained to respond to the slightest touch of the reins. In the New Testament, this word takes on profound theological significance, particularly in Jesus’ teaching about true blessing and His own character (Matthew 11:29). The early church fathers emphasized πραΰς as a cardinal Christian virtue, seeing it as the proper exercise of power in alignment with God’s will. Today, this word continues to challenge our understanding of true strength and leadership.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πραΰς, praus, prah-OOCE
• Detailed Pronunciation: prah (as in ‘father’) + ooce (as in ‘loose’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πρα- (pra-) – mild, gentle
• Ending: -ύς (-us) – forms masculine adjectives
• The combination creates an adjective expressing controlled strength

D – Defining Meanings

• Gentle yet strong
• Mild-mannered
• Power under control
• Humble before God

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but represents a foundational concept in biblical ethics.

Translation Options:

1. Meek – Traditional translation, though often misunderstood
2. Gentle-spirited – Captures the internal quality
3. Strength under control – Dynamic equivalent that conveys the full concept

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐπιεικής (epieikēs) [ep-ee-ay-KACE] – reasonable, fair, more focused on external behavior
• ταπεινός (tapeinos) [tap-ay-NOS] – humble, emphasizing lowliness
• See G4239

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, πραΰς exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Masculine singular: πραΰς
• Feminine singular: πραεῖα
• Neuter singular: πραΰ
• Masculine plural: πραεῖς

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s connection to controlled strength rather than weakness. Thayer’s highlights its use in describing those who are mild in disposition while maintaining inner strength. LSJ provides evidence of its use in military contexts. Vine’s stresses that it represents neither weakness nor cowardice but rather power under control. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence in papyri, suggesting its specialized meaning.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Blessed are the [πραΰς] meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

Additional References:
Matthew 11:29, Matthew 21:5, 1 Peter 3:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πραΰς presents a revolutionary understanding of true strength – not as domination but as power perfectly submitted to God’s control. This word proclaims the good news that King Jesus exemplifies and imparts this divine quality to His followers. It shows that in God’s kingdom, true greatness comes through controlled strength used in service to others, following the example of our King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, gentle and humble in heart.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was used in ancient horse-training manuals to describe the ideal temperament of a war horse.
2. Jesus used this term to describe Himself only once, in Matthew 11:29.
3. In ancient Greek medical texts, it described the gentle application of powerful medicines.

Strong’s G4239: An adjective describing a person who is mild, gentle, and humble, yet possessing inner strength. In ancient Greek culture, it described a powerful force under perfect control, like a war horse trained for battle. In biblical usage, it represents strength submitted to God’s control.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: meekness, gentleness, strength, character, beatitudes, Jesus’ teachings, Christian virtues, discipleship, humility, power under control, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​