
"International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". In 2 Macc 15:12 Onias is said (the King James Version) to be "gentle (praos) in condition," the Revised Version (British and American) "in manner." ( 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 the New Testament it is the translation of epios, "mild," "gentle" ( 1 Thessalonians 2:7 2 Timothy 2:24), and of epieikes, "fitting" "proper," etc. 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 2 Samuel 22:36 `anah, "to bend low," "to condescend," is translated "gentleness," "Thy gentleness hath made me great," the Revised Version, margin "or condescension" so also Psalms 18:35, where the word is `anwah "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") chrestotes, "kindness," "usefulness," is translated "gentleness" in Galatians 5:22 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "kindness" chrestos is the word translated "kind" (to the unthankful and evil, Luke 6:35), and chrestotes seems to carry in it a similar idea of active kindness. Jen'-t'-l-nes (`anah epieikeia, chrestotes): 1997.Įncyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Gentleness indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical BibleĮlwell, Walter A. Published by Baker Books, a division ofīaker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.įor usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" ( Gal 5:22-23 ), a cluster of qualities each of which reinforces and finds expression in the others.īibliography. Let believers clothe themselves "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" ( Col 3:12 ). "Be completely humble and gentle be patient, bearing with one another in love, " exhorts Paul ( Eph 4:2 ). Wives should seek "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" ( 1 Peter 3:4 ).

The qualities to which gentleness is joined elucidate its setting and character. A witness to Christian truth is the more effective for being made "with gentleness and respect, " especially toward a hostile or an unbelieving listener ( 2 Tim 2:25 1 Peter 3:15 ). Believers ensnared by sin must be restored gently ( Gal 6:1 ). Knowing themselves to be subject to weakness, they can more readily deal gently with the ignorant and the erring. Church leaders are admonished to be "not violent but gentle" toward persons under their care ( 1 Tim 3:3 ) it is a quality they are avidly to pursue ( 1 Tim 6:11 ). He comes to them not "with a whip in love and with a gentle spirit" ( 1 Cor 4:21 ). Following Jesus' example, Paul treats his people gently, "like a mother caring for her little children" ( 1 Thess 2:7 ). By his Spirit, Christ cultivates the same quality in his people ( Gal 5:23 ). Paul appeals to believers "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" ( 2 Cor 10:1 ). In accord with the prophecy, he enters Jerusalem in gentleness and lowliness ( Matt 21:5 ). That king, now come in the flesh, is "gentle and humble in heart" ( Matt 11:29 ). As Yahweh's representative, the messianic king comes in humility and gentleness ( Zec 9:9 ). His consolations are spoken gently ( Job 15:11 ). He discloses himself not just in wind and earthquake and fire, but in "a gentle whisper" ( 1 Kings 19:11-13 ).

He cares tenderly for the flock under his care, and "gently leads those that have young" ( Isa 40:11 ). The supreme exemplar of gentleness is Israel's God.

Gentleness evidences itself in a willingness to yield, reminiscent of a lamb being led to slaughter ( Jer 11:19 cf. Job's counsels were well received, because he spoke them gently ( Job 29:22 ). Gentle words wield great power ( Prov 15:1 25:15 ). It stands in contrast to baseness ( Deuteronomy 28:54 Deuteronomy 28:56 ), harshness ( 2 Sam 18:5 ), and wildness ( Job 41:3 ). Gentleness is suggested by the waters of a stream ( Isa 8:6 ) or by wine flowing over lips and teeth ( So 7:9 ). Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love. Bible Dictionaries - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Gentleness Gentleness
