Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for gentle, meek: praus.

praus, gentle

Strong’s number: G4239

Greek Lexical Dictionary: Strong’s #4239 – πραΰς

Greek Word: πραΰς, πραεῖα, πραΰ

Part of speech: adjective

Transliteration: praus

Phonetic Spelling: prah-ooce’

Quick Definition: meekness

Usage: mild, gentle

Etymology: a form of 4235

NASB Translation: gentle

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New Testament Usage

praus 4X in the New Testament: Mat 5:5; Mat 11:29: Mat 21:5; 1Pet 3:4

14x in 13 verses the Septuagint (LXX)

Num 12:3; Job 24:4; Job 36:15; Psa 25:9; Psa 34:2; Psa 37:11; Psa 76:9; Psa 147:6; Psa 149:4; Isa 26:6; Dan 4:19; Joel 3:11; Zep 3:12; Zec 9:9.

In Classical Greek praus was used to describe tame or gentle animals (an unbroken colt is useless), a soothing medicine (medicine that was too strong harms rather than heals), a mild or soft word, a gentle voice (emotion out of control destroys and tears down) or a gentle breeze (wind out of control brings destruction).

Meekness/gentleness implies self-control. Aristotle explained that it is the mean between excessive anger and excessive angerlessness. The man who is meek is able to balance his anger. It is strength under control.