Material Distinctions

Now I Paul myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ   2 Corinthians 10:1

Gentleness – Did you think that Paul was simply being redundant?  Did you think that “meekness” and “gentleness” were really pretty much the same?  Not so!  There is a material difference between these two Greek words – a difference that is critical if we are to understand and exhibit that true form of meekness found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5 – terribly mistranslated in the NASB as “gentleness”).

“Meekness” is the Greek word praotees.  “Gentleness” is the word epieikeia.  The problem is that there is no exact equivalent in English for epieikeia.  It is not about the same thing as praotees.  Praotees we can translate.  It means power domesticated.  It is about an inner spirit of control that is exhibited in calm assurance.  It is not about wallflower withdrawal.  It is about a deep and abiding sense of inner freedom knowing that what could be done need not be done.  Meekness is deserving your rights and deliberately choosing to forego them.

Not so with gentleness (epieikeia).  This word always contains the nuance of condescension.  It is about someone superior giving something over to an inferior.  This word actually implies that the person holds a superior place which is exhibited in outward acts.  Therefore, a gentle person may act with humility, but he knows himself to be superior, while a meek person knows that he is nothing apart from God and acts accordingly.

Clearly, those who are meek are blessed by God.  Those who are gentle are often hiding self-superiority.  They have their own reward.

What do we do with Paul’s statement that Jesus is both meek and gentle?  Certainly we can see Jesus as praotees (meek) but how is Jesus epieikeia (gentle) if this second word contains the concept of superiority?  The answer is easy.  Jesus does not have false superiority as do so many of us who claim to be gentle.  Jesus is, in fact, the only completely legitimate example of epieikeia.  He is the superior – of all.  Therefore, His outward exhibition of granting blessing and favor is not laced with false pride.  He has the right and the authority to act as the superior because God has lifted Him to the place of honor.

For us, epieikeia is always dangerous.  It is so easy to slip into self-importance, especially when we are giving out benevolence.  Concentrate on meekness – your rights placed aside for the sake of others.  God will take care of gentleness when He sees fit.