### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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."
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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