Bible Encyclopedias
Gentleness

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

jen´t ' 50 - nes ( ענה , ‛ānāh ; ἐπιείκεια , epieı́keia , χρηστότης , chrēstótēs ): In 2 Samuel 22:36 ‛ānāh , "to bend low," "to condescend," is translated "gentleness," "Thy gentleness hath made me great," the Revised Version, margin "or condescension"; so also Psalm 18:35 , where the word is ‛anwāh "humility," "gentleness," or "condescension." In the New Testament epieikeia ("fairness," "moderation," in Acts 24:4 translated "clemency") is in 2 Corinthians 10:1 translated "gentleness," "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Macc 2:22 "favour," the Revised Version (British and American) "forbearance"); chrēstotēs , "kindness," "usefulness," is translated "gentleness" in Galatians 5:22 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "kindness"; chrēstós is the word translated "kind" (to the unthankful and evil, Luke 6:35 ), and chrēstotēs seems to carry in it a similar idea of active kindness .

Gentle occurs in the Old Testament only in the Revised Version (British and American) of Jeremiah 11:19 , "I was like a gentle lamb" (kebhes ). In the New Testament it is the translation of ḗpios , "mild," "gentle" (1 Thessalonians 2:7; 2 Timothy 2:24 ), and of epieikḗs , "fitting" "proper," etc. (1 Timothy 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American); Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:18 ); also, with article, Philippians 4:5 (the King James Version "moderation," the Revised Version (British and American) "forbearance"). In 2 Macc 15:12 Onias is said (the King James Version) to be "gentle ( práos ) in condition," the Revised Version (British and American) "in manner."