Lexical Summary epieikeia: Gentleness, Forbearance, Clemency Original Word: ἐπιείκεια Strong's Exhaustive Concordance clemency, gentleness. From epieikes; suitableness, i.e. (by implication) equity, mildness -- clemency, gentleness. see GREEK epieikes HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1932 epieíkeia (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting," which intensifies eikos, "reasonable, fair, equitable," L-S) – equity ("justice-beyond-justice"). 1932 /epieíkeia ("true equity") is a "sweet reasonableness" that knows when to "relax the strict legal requirements concerning others . . . to carry out the real spirit of the law" (G. R. Berry). See 1933 (epieikēs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epieikés Definition fairness, gentleness NASB Translation gentleness (1), kindness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1932: ἐπιείκειαἐπιείκεια (WH ἐπιεικία, see Iota), ἐπιεικείας, ἡ, (ἐπιεικής, which see), mildness, gentleness, fairness (`sweet reasonableness' (Matthew Arnold)): Acts 24:4; joined with πραότης (which see), 2 Corinthians 10:1; Plutarch, Pericl. 39; with φιλανθρωπία, Polybius 1, 14, 4; Philo, vit. Moys. i. § 36; with χρηστότης, Herodian, 5, 1, 12 (6 edition Bekker). Cf. Plato, defin., p. 412 b. Aristotle, eth. Nic. 5, 10. (Baruch 2:27; Wis. 2:19 Wis. 12:18; 2 Macc. 2:22; 3Macc. 3:15.) Topical Lexicon Scope and Nuance of the Termἐπιείκεια draws attention to a gracious temperament that yields its legitimate rights for the good of others. It stands midway between strict justice and lax permissiveness, expressing mercy that remains faithful to truth. While related to πραΰτης (“meekness”), it highlights the willingness to moderate the full rigor of authority in order to foster peace and repentance. Old Testament Roots Though the specific term is absent from the Septuagint, the concept is embedded in the portrayal of Yahweh’s “abounding loving devotion and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6) and in the governing ideals of Israel’s judges, who were exhorted to uphold both justice and compassion (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). Proverbs repeatedly commends rulers who temper judgment with mercy (Proverbs 20:28; 28:16), creating a conceptual seedbed for ἐπιείκεια. Usage in Acts 24:4 Paul’s defense before Governor Felix begins with an appeal to Felix’s reputation for “your kindness” (Acts 24:4). Here ἐπιείκεια is invoked in a legal setting, spotlighting a magistrate’s discretionary leniency. Paul, familiar with Roman jurisprudence, tactfully requests a hearing flavored by considerate fairness rather than cold, procedural exactitude. The narrative shows that divine mission often depends on human authorities exercising ἐπιείκεια. Usage in 2 Corinthians 10:1 Paul writes, “By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you” (2 Corinthians 10:1). He pairs πραΰτης with ἐπιείκεια to ground his apostolic authority in the character of the Lord Himself. Whereas worldly leadership asserts strength through dominance, Paul mirrors Christ’s cruciform pattern: a strength expressed through self-restraint and redemptive patience. His choice of this term rebukes Corinthian factions that equated power with assertiveness, and it models spiritual authority that persuades rather than coerces. Christ as the Living Portrait of Clemency The Gospels portray Jesus welcoming sinners (Luke 15:1-2), defending the vulnerable (John 8:11), and inviting the weary to rest under His “gentle” yoke (Matthew 11:29). These scenes embody ἐπιείκεια in action. At the cross, He prays, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34), the climactic illustration of mercy that tempers rightful judgment. New-covenant leadership therefore derives its ethic from the One who “did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:56). Theological Dimensions 1. Revelation of God’s Character: ἐπιείκεια reflects the covenantal balance between holiness and mercy. It assures believers that divine justice is never unfeeling. Historical and Cultural Insights In Greco-Roman ethics, ἐπιείκεια was prized as the virtue of a magnanimous ruler who softens rigid law when equity demands it. Philosophers such as Aristotle contrasted it with strict δικαιοσύνη. The New Testament elevates this civic ideal into a Christocentric mandate, placing it not merely in courts but in every believer’s relationships. Relation to Other Virtues • πραΰτης (meekness) – inward posture Together they chart a path from heart disposition to tangible action. Pastoral Application • Church Discipline: Elders apply ἐπιείκεια by coupling firmness against sin with hopeful invitation to repentance (Galatians 6:1). Implications for Civil Governance Scripture commends rulers who exhibit ἐπιείκεια (compare Titus 3:1-2). Believers are urged to pray that magistrates exercise such balanced judgment, allowing the gospel to advance “in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). Wider New Testament Echoes While the noun appears only twice, its ethical force permeates the apostolic writings: • Philippians 4:5 – “Let your gentleness be apparent to all.” These verses employ the cognate adjective ἐπιεικής, reinforcing the comprehensive call to reflect Christ’s gracious authority. Summary ἐπιείκεια captures a Spirit-wrought temperament that harmonizes justice with mercy, law with love. Manifested supremely in Jesus Christ and commended by the apostles, it equips believers to lead, serve, and suffer in ways that advance the gospel and adorn the teaching of God our Savior. Forms and Transliterations επιεικεία ἐπιεικείᾳ ἐπιεικείας επιεικεύσατο επιεικια ἐπιεικίᾳ επιεικιας ἐπιεικίας επιεκείας epieikeia epieikeíāi epieikeias epieikeíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 24:4 N-DFSGRK: τῇ σῇ ἐπιεικείᾳ NAS: you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief KJV: us of thy clemency a few words. INT: [in] your kindness 2 Corinthians 10:1 N-GFS Strong's Greek 1932 |