Strong's Lexicon épios: Gentle, kind Original Word: ἤπιος Word Origin: Derived from a primary root of uncertain affinity Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "épios," the concept of gentleness can be related to Hebrew words such as "עֲנָוָה" (anavah - humility, gentleness) and "חֶסֶד" (chesed - loving-kindness). Usage: The Greek word "épios" is used to describe a demeanor that is gentle, mild, or kind. It conveys a sense of tenderness and care, often in the context of interpersonal relationships. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the manner in which believers, particularly leaders, should conduct themselves towards others, reflecting the character of Christ. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, virtues such as gentleness and kindness were often seen as signs of strength and wisdom, rather than weakness. The early Christian community, living in a diverse and often hostile environment, was called to exhibit these virtues as a testimony to their faith and as a means of fostering unity and peace within the body of Christ. HELPS Word-studies 2261 ḗpios (an adjective derived from 2031 /épos, "to speak," J. Thayer) – properly, gentle (affable, mild), referring to calming words that bring God's order to a situation. 2261 (ḗpios) is used only in 2 Tim 2:24. 2261 /ḗpios ("gentle faith-speaking") happens as we yield to God – i.e. are committed to handling matters according to His preferred-will (2307 /thélēma). It describes the believer acting even-handedly, avoiding unnecessary harshness or excess by speaking into a situation that God reveals. Demonstrating such a congenial disposition means forthrightly speaking God's Word into people's lives as He reveals it through faith. Accordingly, 2261 (ḗpios) and faith (4102 /pístis) are directly connected in the NT (see 2 Tim 2:22-24). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition gentle, mild NASB Translation gentle (1), kind (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2261: ἤπιοςἤπιος, ἠπια, ἤπιον, rarely of two terminations, (apparently derived from ἔπος, εἰπεῖν, so that it properly means affable (so Etym. Magn. 434, 20; but cf. Vanicek, p. 32)); from Homer down; mild, gentle: 1 Thessalonians 2:7 (where L WH νήπιος, which see at the end); πρός τινα, 2 Timothy 2:24. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gentle. Probably from epos; properly, affable, i.e. Mild or kind -- gentle. see GREEK epos Forms and Transliterations ήπιοι ηπιον ἤπιον ήτιον epion ēpion ḗpionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |