Bible Lexicons

Berry's Synonyms of the New TestamentBerry's NT Synonyms

Gentleness

πρᾳότης, ἐπιείκεια.

Both words may be translated gentleness, yet there are marked differences in meaning. πρᾳότης is rather passive, denoting, as has been said above, see § 21, one's attitude toward others in view of their acts, bad or good. ἐπιείκεια is distinctly active, it is seen in one's deeds toward others, and it usually implies the relation of superior to inferior. It is fundamentally a relaxing of strict legal requirements concerning others, yet doing this in order more fully to carry out the real spirit of the law. It is clemency in which there is no element of weakness or injustice.