Consideration (4240) prautes by Greek Word Studies

Consideration (4240) (prautes) describes the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance. Prautes is a quality of gentle friendliness - gentleness, meekness (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), consideration, restrained patience, patient trust in the midst of difficult circumstances. See related topics - Notes on Galatians 5:23 - Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness Gentleness as exemplified by the Lord's bondservant Prautes - 11x in NAS -- 1Co. 4:21; 2 Co. 10:1; Gal. 5:23-note; Gal 6:1; Eph. 4:2-note; Col. 3:12-note; 2Ti 2:25-note; Titus 3:2-note; James. 1:21-note; 3:13; 1Pe 3:15-note. NAS = consideration, 1; gentleness, 8; humility, 1; meekness, 1. Here are the uses in the Septuagint -- Esther 5:1; Ps. 45:4; 90:10; 132:1; Click for discussion of the closely related word praus (4239). In Greek literature prautes was sometimes used of a feigned, hypocritical concern for others that is motivated by self-interest. But in the New Testament it is always used of genuine consideration for others. Prautes denotes the humble and gentle attitude which expresses itself, in particular, in a patient submissiveness to offense, free from malice and desire for revenge...controlled strength, the ability to bear reproaches and slights without bitterness and resentment; the ability to provide a soothing influence on someone who is in a state of anger, bitterness and resentment against life...the word indicates an obedient submissiveness to God and His will, with unwavering faith and enduring patience displaying itself in a gentle attitude and kind acts toward others, and this often in the face of opposition. It is the restrained and obedient powers of the personality brought into subjection and submission to God’s will by the Holy Spirit (see note Gal 5:23)....the opposite of arrogance...the word stands in contrast to the term orge (wrath, anger as a state of mind)...It denotes the humble and gentle attitude which expresses itself, in particular, in a patient submissiveness to offense, a freedom from malice and desire for revenge...mildness, patient trust in the midst of difficult circumstances. (2Cor 10:1) (Compiled from the Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek NT) Prautes was used in secular Greek writings to describe a soothing wind, a healing medicine, and a colt that had been broken. In each instance, there is power for a wind can become a storm, too much medicine can kill and a horse can break loose. Thus prautes describes power under control. Prautes is an interesting word. Aristotle defined it as the correct mean between being too angry and being never angry at all. It is the quality of the man whose anger is so controlled that he is always angry at the right time and never at the wrong time. It describes the man who is never angry at any personal wrong he may receive, but who is capable of righteous anger when he sees others wronged. The meek person does not have to fly off the handle because he has everything under control. A perfect picture is found in our Lord Jesus Christ. Quoting from the Septuagint (LXX = Greek of the Hebrew Old Testament) rendering of Zechariah 9:9, which predicts the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Matthew uses the adjective form of prautes (praus) to describe Jesus as “gentle (praus) and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden” (Mt 21:5). In a gracious appeal to His followers, Jesus used the same adjective of Himself, saying, Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle (praus in NAS; praos in KJV) and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29). James uses prautes in his discussion of a teachable spirit instructing his readers to Therefore (to "achieve the righteousness of God" and manifest ourselves as "the firstfruits among His creatures") putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility (prautes) receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. (James. 1:21-note) Barclay comments on James 1:21 writing that this man will receive the word with gentleness. (humility = prautes). Gentleness is an attempt to translate the untranslatable word prautes. This is a great Greek word which has no precise English equivalent. Aristotle defined it as the mean between excessive anger and excessive angerlessness; it is the quality of the man whose feelings and emotions are under perfect control. Andronicus Rhodius, commenting on Aristotle, writes, “Prautes is moderation in regard to anger … You might define prautes as serenity and the power, not to be lead away by emotion, but to control emotion as right reason dictates.” The Platonic definitions say that prautes is the regulation of the movement of the soul caused by anger. It is the temperament (krasis) of a soul in which everything is mixed in the right proportions. No one can ever find one English word to translate what is a one word summary of the truly teachable spirit. The teachable spirit is docile and tractable, and therefore humble enough to learn. The teachable spirit is without resentment and without anger and is, therefore, able to face the truth, even when it hurts and condemns. The teachable spirit is not blinded by its own overmastering prejudices but is clear-eyed to the truth. The teachable spirit is not seduced by laziness but is so self-controlled that it can willingly and faithfully accept the discipline of learning. Prautes describes the perfect conquest and control of everything in a man’s nature which would be a hindrance to his seeing, learning and obeying the truth. (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press) (Bolding added) James in the context of discussion the control of one's tongue again uses prautes in his answer to the rhetorical question Who among you is wise and understanding (mental perception and comprehension)? Let him show (expose to the eyes, giving evidence or proof of it) by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness (prautes) of wisdom (the ability to view life from God’s perspective). (James 3:13) We can perceive understanding in others quite easily, but wisdom is more difficult to identify. James said to look at a person’s behavior if you want to see if he or she is wise. In other words if a man or woman is wise and understanding, they will demonstrate it by their good conduct coupled with the gentle spirit that comes from godly wisdom. The wisdom James had in mind did not result so much in what one thinks or says but in what one does. One of the marks of godly wisdom is prautes -- gentleness, meekness or humility. Knowledge is proud that she has learned so much. Wisdom is humble that she knows no more.” Constable in his note on this verse adds that The Greek word prautes (“gentleness”) occurs in non-biblical literature to describe a horse that someone had broken and had trained to submit to a bridle. It pictures strength under control, specifically the Holy Spirit’s control. The evidence of this attitude is a deliberate placing of oneself under divine authority. The only way to control the tongue is to place one’s mind deliberately under the authority of God and to let Him control it . (Constable, T . Thomas Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible) A believer's attitude toward unbelievers should always reflect a spirit of gentleness, being indulgent toward the infirmities of the unsaved. Peter writes that even when unbelievers intimidate us we should still “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,“always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness (prautes) and reverence” (see note 1 Peter 3:15) and “with gentleness (prautes) correcting those who are in opposition (could refer to unbelievers or rebellious unbelievers), if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth” (see note 2 Timothy 2:25). Those "who are spiritual" are to deal with disobedient fellow believers “in a spirit of gentleness (prautes)” (Gal 6:1). How is this possible? Paul had just written that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (prautes), self-control; against such things there is no law. (see notes Galatians 5:22; 5:23) (Or as W. Graham Scroggie said "We need power for gentleness." Amen or Oh my!) It follows that the Spirit filled/controlled believer is the one most suited to "restore (a man caught in trespass) in a spirit of gentleness." Meekness is that unassuming inner spirit of mildness and gentleness which is the opposite of haughtiness, harshness and self-assertiveness. Meekness is a willingness to waive one's rights for a good cause, just as Jesus waived His rights to His rule as King as he rode into Jerusalem mounted on a donkey (see above). Set aside your rights! Do not demand that you be satisfied, but for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ be willing to suffer loss. Meekness is the opposite of rudeness and abrasiveness. Ray Stedman describes meekness as "strength under control" adding that It is real strength, but it does not have to display itself or show off how strong it is. This is what our Lord beautifully displayed He described himself as "meek and lowly in heart." The first curriculum of the Holy Spirit is that we must do what Jesus said, "take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart." Meekness and weakness are not synonymous. Meekness says, "God, in this situation, You have a purpose. You're in control, sovereign, and ruling over all." Meekness is seeing everything as coming from God and accepting it without murmuring and without disputing, patiently submitting to any and every offense, without any desire for revenge or retribution! Trench adds that prautes “is closely linked with humility, and follows directly upon it (Eph 4:2-note; Col 3:12-note) because it is only the humble heart which is also the meek; and which, as such, does not fight against God, and more or less struggle and contend with Him. This meekness, however, being first of all meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are permitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of His elect. This was the root of David’s (meekness) when Shimei cursed and flung stones at him—the consideration that the Lord had bidden him (2Sa 16:11), that it was just for him to suffer these things, however unjustly the other might inflict them; and out of like convictions all true Christian (meekness) must spring. He that is meek indeed will know himself a sinner among sinners...and this knowledge of his own sin will teach him to endure meekly the provocations with which they may provoke him, and not withdraw himself from the burdens which their sin may impose (Ibid) Barclay adds that prautes "describes the man whose temper is always under complete control. He knows when to be angry and when not to be angry. He patiently bears wrongs done to himself but is ever chivalrously ready to spring to the help of others who are wronged." (Ibid) FOR ALL MEN: pros pantas anthropous: (1Cor 9:19; 1Th 5:14-note; 1Th 5:15-note; 1 Peter 2:17-note) Expositor's adds that this "consideration" is "not to be exhibited only in dealing with fellow believers but must be shown "toward all men," including those who are hostile and morally perverse. It is a difficult test of Christian character but one that effectively proves the genuineness of Christian profession." (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan Publishing) The phrase all men is not hyperbole or exaggeration. Paul is speaking to believers to conduct themselves worthy of the gospel before all men, especially the unsaved. Earlier in this letter Paul rejoiced that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men (Titus 2:11-note). "So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." (Gal 6:10-note) John MacArthur summarizes this trait commenting that Genuine, heartfelt consideration for all men is one of the most foundational spiritual virtues. As followers and imitators of Jesus Christ, our calling is not to fight for our rights or privileges against the ungodly. Rather, as we live in this corrupt world in subjection and obedience to human authority, doing good deeds, maligning no one, and being uncontentious, gentle, and meek, we will thereby demonstrate the gracious power of God to transform sinners and make them like Himself. (MacArthur. Titus: Moody Press)

Be the first to react on this!

Consideration (4240) prautes

Greek Word Studies

Greek Word Studies ( - )

Group of Brands