Brief Overview of πραΰτης (Strong’s G4240: prautēs)

Strong’s G4240: A feminine noun expressing the quality of controlled strength, gentleness with power. Derived from πραΰς, it denotes a virtue that combines humility with dignity, particularly expressing a spirit that accepts God’s dealings as good and responds with gentle submission while maintaining inner strength.

U- Unveiling the Word

πραΰτης represents a quality that defies simple translation, embodying the paradox of strength under perfect control. In New Testament thought, it describes a divine attribute that Jesus exemplified and calls his followers to emulate. Unlike worldly concepts of power, πραΰτης demonstrates strength through gentleness and authority through submission to God. The early church fathers saw this quality as essential for Christian leadership and discipleship, understanding it as power exercised in accordance with God’s will rather than human ambition. In our contemporary context, this word continues to challenge prevalent notions of leadership and influence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πραΰτης, prautēs, prah-OO-tace
• Detailed Pronunciation: prah (as in ‘father’) + oo (as in ‘food’) + tace (as in ‘face’)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πραΰς (praus) – gentle, mild
• Suffix: -της (-tēs) – forms abstract nouns
• The combination creates a noun expressing the quality or state of controlled strength

D – Defining Meanings

• Gentle strength
• Controlled power
• Humble dignity
• Submissive resilience

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but the suffix -της transforms the adjective πραΰς into an abstract noun denoting the quality itself.

Translation Options:

1. Meekness – Traditional translation, though often misunderstood
2. Gentle strength – Captures both aspects of the concept
3. Controlled power – Emphasizes the active nature of the virtue

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πραότης (praotēs) [prah-O-tace] – alternate spelling with same meaning
• ἐπιείκεια (epieikeia) [ep-ee-I-key-ah] – gentleness focused on fairness
• See G4240

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

• Case: Various forms
• Nominative: πραΰτης
• Genitive: πραΰτητος
• Dative: πραΰτητι
• Accusative: πραΰτητα
• Number: Typically singular (abstract concept)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: πραΰς
• Related verb: πραΰνω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes this word’s quality of not being overly impressed by self-importance. Thayer’s highlights its connection to strength under control. LSJ traces its classical usage in contexts of noble character. Vine’s distinguishes it from natural gentleness, describing it as an inwrought grace. Moulton and Milligan note its rare occurrence in papyri, suggesting its specialized meaning in ethical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with [πραΰτης] meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21

Additional References:
James 3:13, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 6:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πραΰτης reveals the revolutionary nature of God’s kingdom, where true power is expressed through gentle strength and authority through humble service. This quality, perfectly displayed in Jesus Christ, proclaims the good news that God’s power operates not through domination but through gentle strength that transforms lives. It challenges worldly power structures and offers a new way of relating to both God and others.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient military texts to describe the ideal temperament of both commanders and their horses.
2. Early Christian manuscripts often used this term when describing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
3. Medieval monastics considered this virtue essential for spiritual leadership.

Strong’s G4240: A feminine noun expressing the quality of controlled strength, gentleness with power. Derived from πραΰς, it denotes a virtue that combines humility with dignity, particularly expressing a spirit that accepts God’s dealings as good and responds with gentle submission while maintaining inner strength.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: meekness, gentleness, strength, character, virtues, Christian ethics, spiritual formation, leadership, humility, power under control, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​