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Bible Dictionaries
Gentleness
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
or Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love.
The Old Testament . Gentleness is suggested by the waters of a stream (Isaiah 8:6 ) or by wine flowing over lips and teeth (Song of Solomon 7:9 ). It stands in contrast to baseness (Deuteronomy 28:54,56 ), harshness (2 Samuel 18:5 ), and wildness (Job 41:3 ). Gentle words wield great power (Proverbs 15:1; 25:15 ). Job's counsels were well received, because he spoke them gently (Job 29:22 ). Gentleness evidences itself in a willingness to yield, reminiscent of a lamb being led to slaughter (Jeremiah 11:19; cf. Isaiah 53:7 ). The supreme exemplar of gentleness is Israel's God. He cares tenderly for the flock under his care, and "gently leads those that have young" (Isaiah 40:11 ). He discloses himself not just in wind and earthquake and fire, but in "a gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:11-13 ). His consolations are spoken gently (Job 15:11 ). As Yahweh's representative, the messianic king comes in humility and gentleness (Zechariah 9:9 ).
The New Testament . That king, now come in the flesh, is "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29 ). In accord with the prophecy, he enters Jerusalem in gentleness and lowliness (Matthew 21:5 ). Paul appeals to believers "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:1 ). By his Spirit, Christ cultivates the same quality in his people (Galatians 5:23 ). Following Jesus' example, Paul treats his people gently, "like a mother caring for her little children" (1 Thessalonians 2:7 ). He comes to them not "with a whip [but] in love and with a gentle spirit" (1 Corinthians 4:21 ). Church leaders are admonished to be "not violent but gentle" toward persons under their care (1 Timothy 3:3 ); it is a quality they are avidly to pursue (1 Timothy 6:11 ). Knowing themselves to be subject to weakness, they can more readily deal gently with the ignorant and the erring. Believers ensnared by sin must be restored gently (Galatians 6:1 ). A witness to Christian truth is the more effective for being made "with gentleness and respect, " especially toward a hostile or an unbelieving listener (2 Timothy 2:25; 1 Peter 3:15 ). The qualities to which gentleness is joined elucidate its setting and character. Wives should seek "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4 ). "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love, " exhorts Paul (Ephesians 4:2 ). Let believers clothe themselves "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12 ). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 ), a cluster of qualities each of which reinforces and finds expression in the others.
J. Knox Chamblin
See also Fruit of the Spirit
Bibliography . W. Barclay, New Testament Words, pp. 94-96,240-42; W. Bauder, NIDNTT, 2:256-64; H. Preisker, TDNT, 2:588-90; F. Hauck and S. Schulz, TDNT, 6:645-51.
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Edited by Walter A. Elwell
Copyright © 1996 by Walter A. Elwell. Published by Baker Books, a division of Baker Book House Company, PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516-6287.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Elwell, Walter A. Entry for 'Gentleness'. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/bed/g/gentleness.html. 1996.
