4239. praus
Strong's Lexicon
praus: Meek, gentle, humble

Original Word: πραΰς
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: praus
Pronunciation: prah-oos'
Phonetic Spelling: (prah-ooce')
Definition: Meek, gentle, humble
Meaning: mild, gentle.

Word Origin: Derived from the root word πραΰτης (prautēs), meaning "gentleness" or "meekness."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H6035 (עָנָו, anav): Often translated as "meek" or "humble," used in contexts such as Numbers 12:3, describing Moses as "very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth."

Usage: The Greek word "praus" is often translated as "meek" or "gentle" in English. It describes a quality of character that is marked by humility and a gentle spirit. In the New Testament, "praus" is used to depict an attitude of submission to God's will, a willingness to endure injury with patience and without resentment, and a gentle approach towards others. It is not to be confused with weakness; rather, it is strength under control.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, meekness was not typically considered a virtue. The culture often valued power, dominance, and assertiveness. However, in the biblical context, meekness is a highly esteemed quality, reflecting the character of Christ Himself. It is associated with a deep trust in God and a commitment to His ways, even in the face of adversity.

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4239 praýs (also listed as 4239a/praupathia in NAS dictionary) – meek. See 4236 (praótēs).

This difficult-to-translate root (pra-) means more than "meek." Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness.

[The English term "meek" often lacks this blend – i.e. of gentleness (reserve) and strength.]

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4239: πραΰς

πραΰς, see πρᾷός.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
meek.

Apparently a primary word; mild, i.e. (by implication) humble -- meek. See also praios.

see GREEK praios

Forms and Transliterations
ἡσυχίου πρα=ν πρα=ς πραεις πραείς πραεῖς πραέος πραέων πραεως πραέως πραυς πραύς πραΰς πραῢς esuchiou ēsuchiou hesychiou hesychíou hēsychiou hēsychíou praeis praeîs praus praǘs praǜs
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 5:5 Adj-NMP
GRK: μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς ὅτι αὐτοὶ
NAS: Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit
KJV: Blessed [are] the meek: for they
INT: Blessed the meek for they

Matthew 11:29 Adj-NMS
GRK: ἐμοῦ ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ
NAS: from Me, for I am gentle and humble
INT: me for gentle I am and

Matthew 21:5 Adj-NMS
GRK: ἔρχεταί σοι πραῢς καὶ ἐπιβεβηκὼς
NAS: IS COMING TO YOU, GENTLE, AND MOUNTED
KJV: cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting
INT: comes to you gentle and mounted

1 Peter 3:4 Adj-GNS
GRK: ἀφθάρτῳ τοῦ πραέως καὶ ἡσυχίου
NAS: with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet
KJV: that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and
INT: imperishable [beauty] of the gentle and quiet

Strong's Greek 4239
4 Occurrences


πραεῖς — 1 Occ.
πραέως — 1 Occ.
πραΰς — 2 Occ.

















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