Word Study for G4239 (πραΰς) | Strong's Concordance

praÿs /prah-ooce'/ Ask about this word

Rootapparently a primary word

Meaningmild, i.e. (by implication) humble

KJV usagemeek. See also πρᾷος.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of praÿs — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word praÿs, represented by G4239, defines a character that is mild and, by implication, humble. It is commonly translated as meek. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G4239 describes a foundational Christian virtue. In the Beatitudes, it is stated that the meek are blessed and will inherit the earth Matthew 5:5. The term is also used to describe the character of the King coming to Zion, who arrives meek and riding on a colt Matthew 21:5. Lastly, it is presented as an invaluable internal attribute, where the "hidden man of the heart" is characterized by a meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God 1 Peter 3:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to clarify the meaning and context of meekness:

G3107 makários (supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off:-- blessed, happy(X -ier)): This word introduces the promise given to the meek in the Beatitudes, declaring them blessed Matthew 5:5. The same status is applied to the "poor in spirit" Matthew 5:3 and the "pure in heart" Matthew 5:8.
G2272 hēsýchios (still (undisturbed, undisturbing):--peaceable, quiet): This term is paired directly with G4239 to describe a "meek and quiet spirit" 1 Peter 3:4, emphasizing a disposition of inner tranquility that accompanies meekness.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4239 is significant despite its infrequent use. It highlights several key principles:

A Condition for Inheritance: Meekness is not portrayed as a weakness but as a prerequisite for the ultimate blessing of inheriting the earth Matthew 5:5.
The Character of the King: The word is used to define the nature of the King, demonstrating that true authority is expressed through humility and gentleness rather than force Matthew 21:5.
An Inward Virtue: The concept of meekness is tied to the inner self, described as an incorruptible quality of the "hidden man of the heart" that is precious to God 1 Peter 3:4.

Summary

In summary, G4239 provides a focused portrait of a virtue that is central to the Christian faith. It goes beyond simple mildness to represent a humble and gentle spirit that is characteristic of Christ himself, is highly valued by God, and is directly linked to a promised divine inheritance. It demonstrates a strength found in gentleness, not in power.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun and an adjective across 13 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Genitive Singular Feminine 4×
Dative Singular Feminine 3×
Accusative Singular Feminine 2×
Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
Genitive Singular Neuter 1×
Nominative Plural Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Dative: The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter: Neuter grammatical gender.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew (2 verses); never once in the other 25.

Matthew

1 Peter

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.