Original Word: ἐπιεικής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: epieikés
Pronunciation: eh-pee-ay-KACE
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-i-kace')
Definition: Gentle, reasonable, moderate, forbearing
Meaning: gentle, mild, forbearing, fair, reasonable, moderate.

gentle, moderation, patient.

From epi and eiko; appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild -- gentle, moderation, patient.

see GREEK epi

see GREEK eiko

1933 epieikḗs(an adjective, derived from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" and eikos, "equitable, fair"; also see the noun-form, 1932 /epieíkeia, "equity-justice") – properly, equitable; "gentle" in the sense of truly fair by relaxing overly strict standards in order to keep the "spirit of the law."

1933 /epieikḗs ("justice beyond ordinary justice") builds on the real intent (purpose) of what is really at stake (note the epi, "upon") – and hence, is true equity that appropriately fulfills the spirit (not just the letter) of the law.

Word Origin
from epi and eoika (see also eikó)
Definition
seemly, equitable, yielding
NASB Translation
gentle (5).

STRONGS NT 1933: ἐπιεικής

ἐπιεικής, ἐπιεικές (εἰκός, what is reasonable);

1. seemly, suitable (from Homer down).

2. equitable, fair, mild, gentle: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 2:18; James 3:17. Neuter τό ἐπιεικές (as often in Greek writings from Thucydides down) ὑμῶν equivalent to ἡ ἐπιείκεια ὑμῶν, Philippians 4:5. (See ἐπιείκεια, at the end.)

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "towards") and εἰκών (eikōn, meaning "likeness" or "image"), though more directly related to the concept of being "fitting" or "suitable."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐπιεικής, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words such as עֲנָוָה (anavah, Strong's 6038), meaning "humility" or "gentleness," and חֶסֶד (chesed, Strong's 2617), often translated as "loving-kindness" or "mercy." These terms capture aspects of the gentle and considerate nature that ἐπιεικής embodies in the Greek New Testament.

Usage: The word ἐπιεικής is used in the New Testament to describe a quality of character that is gentle and forbearing. It is often associated with wisdom and is considered a virtue in Christian conduct.

Context: The Greek term ἐπιεικής appears in several New Testament passages, emphasizing the importance of gentleness and reasonableness in the life of a believer. In Philippians 4:5, Paul exhorts the church to "Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near." Here, ἐπιεικής is translated as "gentleness," highlighting the call for Christians to exhibit a spirit of moderation and kindness in their interactions with others.

In James 3:17, the wisdom from above is described as "first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." The use of ἐπιεικής in this context underscores the value of a gentle and accommodating spirit as a hallmark of divine wisdom.

Additionally, in 1 Peter 2:18, servants are instructed to be submissive to their masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle (ἐπιεικής) but also to those who are harsh. This usage illustrates the expectation for believers to maintain a gentle demeanor even in challenging circumstances.

The concept of ἐπιεικής is closely related to the Christian virtues of humility and patience, reflecting a Christ-like attitude that prioritizes peace and understanding over strict adherence to rules or personal rights. It is a quality that fosters harmony and reflects the character of God, who is described as gentle and patient with humanity.

επέζησε επιεικεις επιεικείς ἐπιεικεῖς επιεικες επιεικές ἐπιεικὲς επιεικεσιν επιεικέσιν ἐπιεικέσιν επιεικη επιεική ἐπιεικῆ επιεικης επιεικής ἐπιεικής επιεικώς επιζήμιον epieike epieikê epieikē epieikē̂ epieikeis epieikeîs epieikes epieikès epieikēs epieikḗs epieikesin epieikésinInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts