Strong’s Greek 4235 πραΰς denotes the quality of gentle strength that rests in God’s sovereignty. It is the settled disposition of spirit that refuses retaliation, surrenders personal rights to the Lord’s will, and channels power through mercy. Though this particular form is unattested in the Greek New Testament, the virtue it names permeates the biblical canon and stands at the heart of Christ-like character.

Old Testament Foundations

The Septuagint frequently renders the Hebrew עָנָו (ʿānāw, meek, humble) with πραΰς or its cognates. Psalm 37:11 sets the pattern later echoed by Jesus: “But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.” Isaiah 29:19, Numbers 12:3, and Zephaniah 2:3 present meekness as wholehearted dependence on Yahweh rather than human prowess. In each instance the “meek” are the covenant faithful who entrust defense and vindication to God.

Cognate Forms and New Testament Insight

Though 4235 itself is not used, the cognate adjective πραΰς (Strong’s 4239) and the noun πραΰτης (Strong’s 4240) give the concept clear New Testament shape.

• Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
• Matthew 11:29: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
• Matthew 21:5; John 12:15; Zechariah 9:9: Messiah enters Jerusalem “gentle and riding on a donkey.”
• 1 Peter 3:4: the “imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”
• Galatians 5:23; Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:2 portray πραΰτης as fruit of the Spirit and garment of the new self.

Together these references reveal three core elements: (1) yieldedness to the Father, (2) quiet strength under control, and (3) an inheritance secured by divine promise rather than force.

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus Christ embodies πραΰς perfectly. His incarnation demonstrates self-emptying (Philippians 2:6-8); His responses to hostility display unthreatened composure (1 Peter 2:23); His cross conquers through suffering love rather than coercion (Isaiah 53:7). The King who is “gentle” proves that meekness is not weakness but the royal virtue of the Messiah whose dominion will fill the earth (Psalm 2:8; Revelation 11:15).

Ethical and Pastoral Dimensions

1. Personal discipleship: Practicing πραΰς requires surrender of self-assertion (James 1:21) and embracing servanthood (Mark 10:42-45).
2. Congregational life: Shepherds are to correct opponents “with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:25) and restore the fallen “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1), modeling the tone of Christ.
3. Witness to the world: Believers give a reason for the hope within them “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15), demonstrating that gospel power is conveyed through meek persuasion.

Meekness and Spiritual Warfare

James contrasts “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom marked by selfish ambition with “wisdom from above” characterized by πραΰτης (James 3:13-17). In spiritual conflict, meekness disarms the adversary, quells the flesh, and invites the Spirit’s triumph (2 Corinthians 10:1; Romans 12:17-21).

Historical and Theological Reflections

Early writers such as Ignatius, Polycarp, and Justin Martyr commended meekness as the distinguishing ethic of the church. Augustine argued that the inheritance of the meek in Matthew 5:5 anticipates the consummation of God’s kingdom; Reformers like Calvin reaffirmed that meekness flows from justification by faith, freeing believers from self-defense. Modern evangelical theology views πραΰς as integrally related to sanctification and servant leadership.

Contemporary Ministry Applications

• Counseling: Meekness creates a safe atmosphere where sin can be confessed without fear and grace can be applied with firmness yet compassion.
• Leadership: Boards and pastors cultivate unity by choosing measured speech over domineering control (Proverbs 15:1; Titus 1:7).
• Social engagement: Meek activism confronts injustice without hatred, echoing the Lamb’s own victory (Revelation 5:6).
• Family life: Husbands, wives, parents, and children reflect the gospel when authority is exercised through tenderness and sacrificial love (Colossians 3:18-21).

Eschatological Hope

The promise stands: “The meek will inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5). As the present age groans under pride and violence, πραΰς points to the coming reign of Christ when humble trust will be publicly honored. Until that day, the church embodies this future by walking in the gentle power of the Spirit, confident that “the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4).