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ἐπιεικής

epieikḗs

G1933 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root εἴκ- to yield, to give way, to be reasonable

Definition

Characterized by reasonableness, fairness, and consideration; exhibiting a disposition to yield where strict justice might demand otherwise. In Koine usage, the term primarily denotes being equitable or yielding—acting with forbearance and gentle moderation in situations where one could insist on absolute right or strict justice. Extended senses include 'gentle in demeanor,' 'lenient,' and 'not insisting on the letter of the law.'

Semantic Range

fair, equitable, yielding, gentle, forbearing, not severe, reasonable, moderate, considerate

Root / Etymology

Formed from ἐπί ('upon, over') and the verb εἴκω ('to yield' or 'give way'), indicating an inclination or tendency to yield. The compound suggests a quality of being inclined towards yielding reasonableness or fairness in the face of strictness. Attested in classical Greek and adopted with specific ethical connotations in philosophical and later Koine Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐπιεικής is used of persons who are fair, balanced, and not given to harshness or undue severity, especially in judicial contexts—contrasted with someone who rigidly follows the letter of the law (ἀκριβής, δικαῖος in its most rigorous sense). Aristotle and other philosophers see ἐπιείκεια (the noun form) as the virtue that corrects legal justice when equity or practical wisdom suggests leniency. In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἐπιεικής describes a character trait suitable for leaders (cf. 1 Tim 3:3; Titus 3:2; Jas 3:17), and for all who seek to build harmonious communities. English translations often render this word as 'gentle,' 'moderate,' 'forbearing,' or 'reasonable,' though none fully capture the depth of the term, as it combines the ideas of yieldingness, reasoned fairness, and equitable treatment beyond mere gentleness. Its sense is not passivity but active, principled flexibility. The concept has no direct equivalent in English, and modern terms like 'lenient' or 'tolerant' only partially convey its emphasis on just and well-balanced moderation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and εἴκω; appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild:--gentle, moderation, patient.

Root Family

ἐπιεικής (epieikēs) — yielding, reasonable, equitable, forbearing

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1933-03 ἐπιεικὲς epieikes ADJ.S NOM N SG gentle yielding fairness 2
G1933-04 ἐπιεικέσιν epieikesin ADJ.S DAT M PL gentle to the yielding ones 1
G1933-02 ἐπιεικεῖς epieikeis ADJ.P ACC M PL gentle fair and yielding ones 1
G1933-01 ἐπιεικῆ epieike ADJ.S ACC M SG gentle equitable one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1933-03 Philippians 4:5 ἐπιεικὲς epieikes ADJ.S NOM N SG gentleness yielding fairness
G1933-01 1 Timothy 3:3 ἐπιεικῆ epieike ADJ.S ACC M SG gentle equitable one
G1933-02 Titus 3:2 ἐπιεικεῖς epieikeis ADJ.P ACC M PL gentle fair and yielding ones
G1933-03 James 3:17 ἐπιεικής epieikes ADJ.S NOM F SG gentle yielding fairness
G1933-04 1 Peter 2:18 ἐπιεικέσιν epieikesin ADJ.S DAT M PL gentle to the yielding ones
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