Gentleness
Gentleness [nave]
GENTLENESS.Of Christ
Isa. 40:11; 2 Cor. 10:1; Matt. 11:29.
See: Jesus, Compassion of, Humility of, Meekness of.
Of God
2 Sam. 22:36; Psa. 18:35; Isa. 40:11.
See: God, Compassion of, Longsuffering of.
Of Paul, 1 Thess. 2:7.
Exhortations to
Gal. 5:22; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Tit. 3:1, 2; Jas. 3:17 See: Humility; Kindness; Meekness; Patience.
GENTLENESS [isbe]
GENTLENESS - jen'-t'-l-nes (`anah; epieikeia, chrestotes): In 2 Sam 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 Acts 24:4 translated "clemency") is in 2 Cor 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 Gal 5:22 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "kindness"; chrestos is the word translated "kind" (to the unthankful and evil, Lk 6:35), and chrestotes seems to carry in it a similar idea of active kindness.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" (1 Thess 2:7; 2 Tim 2:24), and of epieikes, "fitting" "proper," etc. (1 Tim 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American); Tit 3:2; Jas 3:17; 1 Pet 2:18); also, with article, Phil 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."
W. L. Walker
Gentleness [baker]
[N]Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love.
The Old Testament. Gentleness is suggested by the waters of a stream (Isa 8:6) or by wine flowing over lips and teeth (So 7:9). It stands in contrast to baseness (Deut 28:54,56), harshness (2 Sam 18:5), and wildness (Job 41:3). Gentle words wield great power (Prov 15:1; 25:15). Job's counsels were well received, because he spoke them gently (Job 29:22). Gentleness evidences itself in a willingness to yield, reminiscent of a lamb being led to slaughter (Jer 11:19; cf. Isa 53:7). The supreme exemplar of gentleness is Israel's God. He cares tenderly for the flock under his care, and "gently leads those that have young" (Isa 40:11). He discloses himself not just in wind and earthquake and fire, but in "a gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:11-13). His consolations are spoken gently (Job 15:11). As Yahweh's representative, the messianic king comes in humility and gentleness (Zec 9:9).
The New Testament. That king, now come in the flesh, is "gentle and humble in heart" (Matt 11:29). In accord with the prophecy, he enters Jerusalem in gentleness and lowliness (Matt 21:5). Paul appeals to believers "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor 10:1). By his Spirit, Christ cultivates the same quality in his people (Gal 5:23). Following Jesus' example, Paul treats his people gently, "like a mother caring for her little children" (1 Thess 2:7). He comes to them not "with a whip [but] in love and with a gentle spirit" (1 Cor 4:21). Church leaders are admonished to be "not violent but gentle" toward persons under their care (1 Tim 3:3); it is a quality they are avidly to pursue (1 Tim 6:11). Knowing themselves to be subject to weakness, they can more readily deal gently with the ignorant and the erring. Believers ensnared by sin must be restored gently (Gal 6:1). A witness to Christian truth is the more effective for being made "with gentleness and respect, " especially toward a hostile or an unbelieving listener (2 Tim 2:25; 1 Peter 3:15). The qualities to which gentleness is joined elucidate its setting and character. Wives should seek "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4). "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love, " exhorts Paul (Eph 4:2). Let believers clothe themselves "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Col 3:12). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22-23), a cluster of qualities each of which reinforces and finds expression in the others.
J. Knox Chamblin
See also Fruit of the Spirit
Bibliography. W. Barclay, New Testament Words, pp. 94-96, 240-42; W. Bauder, NIDNTT, 2:256-64; H. Preisker, TDNT, 2:588-90; F. Hauck and S. Schulz, TDNT, 6:645-51.
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[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
GENTLENESS [bridgeway]
See HUMILITY; MEEKNESS.
