The Greek term praus (πραΰς) means, “to have an objectivity of mind”. It emphasizes an inward disposition rather than an outward expression of feeling or appearance. This term reflects a tameness of spirit by which one accepts God’s dealings with the individual as good, thereby sustaining an objective frame of mind unshaken by external circumstances.
In many English Bible translations, praus (πραΰς) is rendered as “meek,” “gentle,” or “humble.” However, Scripture uses other Greek words to convey these meanings. This distinction demonstrates that praus (πραΰς) is not synonymous with “meek” (ταπεινοφροσύνη), “gentle” (ἐπιείκεια), or “humble” (ταπεινόω).
The English word "meekness" does not originate from the Greek language. Its etymology traces back to the Germanic root mūk-, meaning “soft,” “pliant,” or “mild,” and was later adopted into Latin as mansuetudo, meaning “tameness” or “gentleness.” The English word “meek” likely derives from the Old Norse word mjūkr, with similar meanings of “soft,” “pliant,” or “gentle.”
In contrast, the etymology of praus (πραΰς) remains largely unknown. To establish an accurate English definition, one must examine its usage within the Greek language, as its meaning cannot be assumed based solely on parallels with “meek.”
We are first introduced to praus (πραΰς) in Matthew 5:5 during the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus states, “Happy are the praus (πραΰς), because they will inherent the earth.” Jesus is speaking about a time in which Israel will be in the wilderness due to the man of lawlessness setting himself up as God in the Temple in Jerusalem. He is not describing someone who is humble, gentle, or timid, but maintains an objectivity of the mind on the truth of the coming Messiah. The praus (πραΰς) are those who remain steadfast in their trust in God’s plan and the hope of His promises, even amidst adversity.
Jesus later speaks of His yoke as praus (πραΰς) and humble in the heart in Matthew 11:29, which means praus (πραΰς) cannot mean humble. In Matthew 21:5, praus (πραΰς) is used for a quote from Zechariah 9:9 which is the Hebrew word a-ni (עָנָי) that means lowly or afflicted but does not mean humble (עָנָה – Genesis 16:9). Here, praus (πραΰς) is conveying a tameness of spirit that controls the mind.
In Matthew 21:5, the use of praus (πραΰς) while quoting Zechariah 9:9 reflects the objectivity of mind in Christ as He entered Jerusalem. Fully aware of what awaited Him, He chose to obey the Father, not allowing external circumstances to influence His objective. A-naw (עָנָו), a form of a-ni (עָנָי), is also used to describe Moses in Numbers 12:3 and is based upon hope (Psalm 9:18). These verses do not express humility. The term a-naw (עָנָו) is often confused with words for afflicted (עָנִי), needy (אֶבְיוֹן), weak (דַּל), and humility (עָנָה), further emphasizing the need for careful distinction.
Lowliness or humility (ταπεινοφροσύνης) is explicitly expressed in Ephesians 4:2 alongside praus (πραΰς), eliminating the definition of humility for praus (πραΰτης). Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 10:1, gentleness (ἐπιεικείας) appears with praus (πραΰς), attributed to someone who is humble (ταπεινός). These examples confirm that praus (πραΰς) is not synonymous with gentleness, meekness, or humility. Instead, praus (πραΰς) consistently expresses an objectivity of mind—a tameness of spirit that governs one’s thoughts and actions.
In Galatians 6:1, praus (πραΰτης) is used in a way that provides clarity about its true meaning. The context involves restoring a fellow believer who has been caught in a trespass. Those engaged in restoration are instructed to carefully scope themselves out to ensure their focus on the solution is not lost and they succumb to the same temptation. This reflects the concept of maintaining an objectivity of mind. “Brethren, if also a man is overcome in some trespass, you, the Spiritual ones, restore this one in a spirit of an objectivity of mind, scoping out yourselves in order that you are not tempted.” Here, praus (πραΰτης) conveys a tameness of spirit that enables one to remain objective and vigilant. It underscores the importance of addressing the situation with a calm, measured perspective, avoiding emotional or impulsive reactions that could lead to personal failure.
In 1 Corinthians 4:21, Paul asks the Corinthian believers if he should be coming with a rod or in love and with a spirit of objectivity of mind. He is not referring to a gentle spirit as he is dealing with those who are sinning within the assembly and the ones boasting about them. Instead, praus (πραΰτης) here conveys a calm and measured frame of mind necessary for addressing such serious matters.
Objectivity of mind is essential when correcting those who oppose themselves, as it facilitates their change of mind and release from the snare of the Devil (2 Timothy 2:24-26). This correction must be administered by someone who exhibits the tender care of a nursing mother cherishing her child (1 Thessalonians 2:7), yet also maintains a steadfast commitment to truth. Such objectivity ensures that emotional reactions or personal biases do not cloud the process of restoration.
As the elect of God, we are called to put on humility (ταπεινοφροσύνην), kindness (χρηστότητα), longsuffering (μακροθυμίαν), and meekness (πραΰτητα). In doing so, we become ready for every good work, demonstrating peaceableness, gentleness, and praus (πραΰτης), an objectivity of mind, to all (Titus 3:2).
Praus (πραΰς) reflects an objectivity of mind that arises from a tamed spirit. This quality is rooted in the hope we have concerning God’s promises and should be expressed alongside humility, gentleness, and kindness. By living a life grounded in these virtues and the promises of God, we outwardly display the hope within us through an objectivity of mind that is not swayed by external circumstances.