πραΰς
praÿs
G4239 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Mild in disposition; gentle in temperament; not inclined to assertiveness or harshness. In broader contexts, denotes a person who does not press their own rights, is patient under provocation, and is considerate of others. May also indicate a humble or self-controlled attitude, particularly in the face of injustice or insult.
Semantic Range
gentle in disposition, mild in temperament, patient under provocation, non-assertive, humble, considerate, self-controlled attitude especially in the face of insult or injustice
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. Possibly related to the root πρα- (pra-), which is associated with mildness or gentleness, and connected to the later more common form πρᾶος (praos), meaning gentle or meek. There are no clear classical Greek cognates attested earlier than the Koine period.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πραΰς (praÿs) is rare in classical Greek, with the form πρᾶος more commonly attested. In philosophical writings, especially in Aristotle (e.g., Nicomachean Ethics), the related word πρᾶος describes the virtue of moderation in anger—gentleness as a mean between excessive anger and absence of anger. In the Septuagint and New Testament, πραΰς often denotes a gentle or non-retaliatory posture, especially in the face of hostility. In the Beatitudes (e.g., Matthew 5:5), πραΰς is used to describe those who do not insist on their own way or rights but submit without resentment, reflecting a social and ethical ideal. English translations often use 'meek' or 'gentle', but the term carries positive connotations of strength under control, rather than weakness. Unlike ἀνεξίκακος ('long-suffering') or ταπεινός ('humble'), πραΰς highlights a balanced, gracious disposition in social interaction.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary word; mild, i.e. (by implication) humble:--meek. See also πρᾷος.
Root Family
πραΰς (praÿs) — gentle, mild, humble, non-assertive
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4239-03 |
πραΰς | praus | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
meek | gentle one | gentle | 2 |
G4239-01 |
πραεῖς | praeis | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
meek | gentle ones | gentle ones | 1 |
G4239-02 |
πραέως | praeos | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
gentle | of gentleness | gentleness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4239-01 |
Matthew 5:5 | πραεῖς | praeis | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
meek | gentle ones | gentle ones |
G4239-03 |
Matthew 11:29 | πραΰς | praus | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
meek | gentle one | gentle |
G4239-03 |
Matthew 21:5 | πραῢς | praus | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
meek | gentle one | gentle one |
G4239-02 |
1 Peter 3:4 | πραέως | praeos | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
gentle | of gentleness | gentleness |