Greek

Gentleness

ἐπιείκειαStrong’s G1932

epieikeia

Appears in 2 verses of the New Testament

In short

Epieikeia is the Greek word usually translated “kindness” and “gentleness”. It appears in 2 verses of the New Testament.

“Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.”

Acts 24:4 KJV

Meaning

Usually translated “kindness” and “gentleness”. Open the dictionary entry below for the full range of meaning, with the verses it cites.

How it's translated

kindness 1
gentleness 1

Word-by-word English from the STEPBible tagged text.

Where it's used most

Acts 1
2 Corinthians 1

2 books in all.

Related words

Explore in Scripture

2 Corinthians 10:1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

Greek dictionary

ἐπιείκεια epieikeia · gentleness

ἐπιεικία (Rec. -είκεια), -ας, ἡ (ἐπιεικής), [in LXX: Wis.2:19 12:18 Bar.2:27, from LXX Bar.4:24, TH (3:42), 2Ma.2:22 2Mac 10:4, 3Ma.3:15 3Mac 7:6 * ;] fairness, moderation, gentleness ("sweet reasonableness," Matthew Arnold): Act.24:4; with πραΰτης, 2Co.10:1.† SYN.: πραΰτης (see Tr., Syn., § xliii) (AS)

From STEPBible’s Greek lexicon (based on Abbott-Smith).

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

How the English word “gentleness” was understood when the King James Version was still the common Bible of English readers.

GEN'TLENESS, noun

[See Gentle.]

Dignity of birth. [Little used.]

Genteel behavior.
Softness of manners; mildness of temper; sweetness of disposition; meekness.“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness goodness, faith” Galatians 5:22
Kindness; benevolence.
Tenderness; mild treatment.

Noah Webster, An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). Verse references are checked against the KJV. Read the full entry.

Verses are from the King James Version. Word meanings come from the original Greek, not from any one translation.