πραΰτης

From the study of Galatians 6:1

Range of meaning

Gentleness, mildness, considerate restraint, the opposite of harshness, anger and roughness. Greek writers praised it in rulers and in tamed animals, and used it of the calm person who does not lash out.

Against the English

KJV and YLT have 'meekness', which today suggests timidity, passivity or weakness. 'Gentleness' (BSB, WEB, ESV) is closer.

How it drifted

English 'meek' slowly took on a sense of spinelessness from the 18th and 19th centuries on. The Greek word carries no idea of weakness.

Used elsewhere in the period

Aristotle treats it as the virtue that controls anger, between rage and a lack of feeling (Nicomachean Ethics 4.5). In the LXX the related adjective describes Moses (Num 12:3). Jesus calls himself 'gentle' (Matt 11:29), and Paul appeals 'by the gentleness of Christ' (2 Cor 10:1). It appears in the Spirit's fruit at Gal 5:23.

From the study of Galatians 5:23

Range of meaning

Gentleness, mildness, a calm temper that does not take offence; refusing to be harsh or vindictive; humble, unassuming conduct toward others. It was used of a horse or animal that had been tamed, of a ruler who was lenient rather than severe, and of a person slow to anger. In Jewish Greek it also took on the colour of the Hebrew 'anaw: the humble person who does not grab for themselves but leaves their cause with God.

Against the English

KJV and YLT have 'meekness'; modern versions have 'gentleness'. 'Meekness' was a good rendering in 1611, but modern English has drifted so that 'meek' often suggests timid, spineless or easily pushed around. 'Gentleness' is closer but can sound merely soft-spoken. The Greek word includes strength under restraint: the ability to retaliate, held back.

How it drifted

In modern English 'meek' has slid toward 'weak' and 'submissive', partly through rhymes and stock phrases such as 'meek and mild'. The Greek word never meant lacking courage. Moses, who confronted Pharaoh, is the model 'meek' man.

Used elsewhere in the period

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics 4.5) makes praotēs the virtue that lies between uncontrolled rage and a slavish failure to be angry at all: being angry at the right things, to the right degree. In the Greek Old Testament (LXX), Moses is 'very meek (praüs), more than all people on the earth' (Num 12:3), and 'the meek (praeis) shall inherit the land' (Ps 36:11 LXX [37:11]), the line Jesus echoes in Matt 5:5. Jesus calls himself 'gentle (praüs) and lowly in heart' (Matt 11:29). Paul appeals 'by the meekness and gentleness of Christ' (2 Cor 10:1).