Strong's Lexicon epieikeia: Gentleness, Forbearance, Clemency Original Word: ἐπιείκεια Word Origin: Derived from the Greek adjective ἐπιεικής (epieikēs), meaning "gentle" or "forbearing." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "epieikeia," the concept is akin to the Hebrew word חֶסֶד (chesed), often translated as "loving-kindness" or "mercy," which reflects God's covenantal love and compassion. Usage: The term "epieikeia" refers to a quality of gentleness or forbearance, often implying a sense of fairness and moderation that goes beyond strict justice. It suggests a disposition that is considerate and reasonable, showing leniency and understanding in dealing with others. In the New Testament, it is used to describe a Christ-like attitude that believers are encouraged to adopt, reflecting God's own merciful nature. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, "epieikeia" was a valued virtue, often associated with wise and fair leadership. It was seen as a quality that balanced justice with mercy, allowing for flexibility and compassion in the application of laws and rules. This concept was important in both civic and personal relationships, promoting harmony and understanding within communities. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1932 epieíkeia (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting," which intensifies eikos, "reasonable, fair, equitable," L-S) – equity ("justice-beyond-justice"). 1932 /epieíkeia ("true equity") is a "sweet reasonableness" that knows when to "relax the strict legal requirements concerning others . . . to carry out the real spirit of the law" (G. R. Berry). See 1933 (epieikēs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epieikés Definition fairness, gentleness NASB Translation gentleness (1), kindness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1932: ἐπιείκειαἐπιείκεια (WH ἐπιεικία, see Iota), ἐπιεικείας, ἡ, (ἐπιεικής, which see), mildness, gentleness, fairness (`sweet reasonableness' (Matthew Arnold)): Acts 24:4; joined with πραότης (which see), 2 Corinthians 10:1; Plutarch, Pericl. 39; with φιλανθρωπία, Polybius 1, 14, 4; Philo, vit. Moys. i. § 36; with χρηστότης, Herodian, 5, 1, 12 (6 edition Bekker). Cf. Plato, defin., p. 412 b. Aristotle, eth. Nic. 5, 10. (Baruch 2:27; Wis. 2:19 Wis. 12:18; 2 Macc. 2:22; 3Macc. 3:15.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance clemency, gentleness. From epieikes; suitableness, i.e. (by implication) equity, mildness -- clemency, gentleness. see GREEK epieikes Forms and Transliterations επιεικεία ἐπιεικείᾳ ἐπιεικείας επιεικεύσατο επιεικια ἐπιεικίᾳ επιεικιας ἐπιεικίας επιεκείας epieikeia epieikeíāi epieikeias epieikeíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 24:4 N-DFSGRK: τῇ σῇ ἐπιεικείᾳ NAS: you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief KJV: us of thy clemency a few words. INT: [in] your kindness 2 Corinthians 10:1 N-GFS Strong's Greek 1932 |
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