Bible Dictionary
GENTLENESS
Gentleness is considerate, moderate, and actively kind treatment of others. In Scripture it is associated with Christlike meekness, forbearance, and gracious conduct.
Definition
Gentleness is considerate, moderate, humble, and actively kind conduct. It may include condescension, fairness, forbearance, mildness, and kindness toward others.
Biblical Usage
Gentleness is associated with the meekness and gentleness of Christ, with kindness toward the unthankful and evil, and with the character expected of Christian leaders and believers. It is also listed among the expressions of the Spirit’s fruit.
Historical Background
Biblical terms translated “gentleness” include words meaning to bend low, show moderation, be mild, and exercise active kindness. Revised translations sometimes render them “condescension,” “forbearance,” “mild,” or “kindness.”
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>jen'-t'-l-nes (`anah; epieikeia, chrestotes): In 2Sa 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 Ps 18:35, where the word is `anwah "humility," "gentleness," or "condescension." In the New Testament epieikeia ("fairness," "moderation," in Ac 24:4 translated "clemency") is in 2Co 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 Ga 5:22 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "kindness"; chrestos is the word translated "kind" (to the unthankful and evil, Lu 6:35), and chrestotes seems to carry in it a similar idea of active kindness.</p><p>Gentle occurs in the Old Testament only in the Revised Version (British and American) of Jer 11:19, "I was like a gentle lamb" (kebhes). In the New Testament it is the translation of epios, "mild," "gentle" (1Th 2:7; 2Ti 2:24), and of epieikes, "fitting" "proper," etc. (1Ti 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American); Tit 3:2; Jas 3:17; 1Pe 2:18); also, with article, Php 4:5 (the King James Version "moderation," the Revised Version (British and American) "forbearance"). 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."</p><p>W. L. Walker</p>