Greek Word of the Week

Praotes-(4236) from praos, which is often translated as meek but that English word doesn't capture the true meaning. This noun means to understand God's sovereignty and act accordingly. In this relationship the individual is in constant communication with God to know how to react to people at any given moment. Just as Christ reacted differently to different people so do we. Gentleness to some, standing up to others. Only God knows how individuals will respond to the treatment of others. Because of this we cannot depend solely on the external to know how to react so we must rely entirely on God's estimation of the individual. This important characteristic is the goal of spiritual maturity and the model by which the church was to replicate themselves. Galatians 5:23 lists praotes with self control (egkrateia 1466) and after faith (pistis 4102). Ephesians 4:2 lists praotes as a characteristic along with humility (tapeinophrosune 5012) and bearing up under people (makrothumia 3115) so that the end goal is eagerness to keep watch over the unity of the Spirit. Other passages Colossians 3:12-15, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, 2 Corinthians 10:1-5. Look at these and see what other characteristics and circumstances praotes is associated with.