The Greek word aînos, represented by G136, means praise, specifically praise directed toward God. Though it is a prime word, it is used in the sense of ἔπαινος. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, but its applications are significant in understanding the nature of worship.
The two uses of G136 in scripture illustrate who offers praise and why. In Matthew 21:16, Jesus affirms that God has perfected praise from the mouths of the most humble, quoting, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" In Luke 18:43, after a blind man miraculously receives his sight, the proper response from the community is to offer worship: "and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God."
Several related words help define the context of giving praise to God:
- G1392 doxázō (to render (or esteem) glorious): This is an action that often accompanies praise. In the same passage where the people gave praise, the healed man followed Jesus, glorifying God Luke 18:43.
- G1325 dídōmi (to give): This word describes the action of offering praise. It is not something merely felt but something actively given to God by the people Luke 18:43.
- G2675 katartízō (to complete thoroughly... or adjust): This term is used to show the quality of praise from the humble. God has perfected or brought to completion the praise that comes from children Matthew 21:16.
- G2992 laós (a people): This specifies who gives praise. The collective response to God's work comes from the people in general Luke 18:43.
The theological weight of G136 is centered on the source and stimulus of praise.
- Praise from the Humble: The term highlights that authentic praise is not limited to the powerful or eloquent. God chooses to perfect praise from the mouths of "babes and sucklings," demonstrating that worship is accessible to all Matthew 21:16.
- A Response to Miracles: Praise is presented as the natural and immediate human reaction to witnessing the divine power of God. When the people saw the miracle of healing, their collective response was to give praise to God Luke 18:43.
- A Public Act: In its scriptural contexts, aînos is a verbal and public declaration. It comes from the "mouth" G4750 and is given by "all the people" G3956 who saw God's work.
In summary, G136 is a focused term for praise offered to God. While rare, its usage powerfully conveys that praise is a perfect gift that can come from the most unassuming sources and is the fitting corporate response when people witness the glorious works of God. It underscores a key dynamic of worship: seeing God's action prompts a vocal and communal offering of praise back to Him.
TRV