Clemency
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
"mildness, gentleness, kindness" (what Matthew Arnold has called "sweet reasonableness"), is translated "clemency" in Acts 24:4; elsewhere, in 2—Corinthians 10:1 , of the gentleness of Christ. See Gentleness. Cp. epieikes (see Forbearance
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [2]
Denotes much the same as mercy. It is most generally used in speaking of the forgiveness exercised by princes. It is the result, indeed, of a disposition which ought to be cultivated by all ranks, though its effects cannot be equally conspicuous. Clemency is not only the privilege, the honour, and the duty of a prince, but it is also his security, and better than all his garrisons, forts, and guards, to preserve himself and his dominions in safety. That prince is truly royal who masters himself, looks upon all injuries as below him, and governs by equity and reason, not by passion or caprice. David, king of Israel, appears in no instance greater or more amiable than in sparing the life of his persecutor Saul, when it was in his power.
King James Dictionary [3]
CLEMENCY, n.
1. Mildness softness as the clemency of the air. 2. Mildness of temper gentleness or lenity of disposition disposition to treat with favor and kindness.
I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. Acts 24 .
3. Mercy disposition to treat with lenity, to forgive or to spare, as offenders tenderness in punishing opposed to severity, harshness, or rigor.
Webster's Dictionary [4]
(1): (n.) Mildness or softness of the elements; as, the clemency of the season.
(2): (n.) Disposition to forgive and spare, as offenders; mildness of temper; gentleness; tenderness; mercy.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
klem´en si ἐπιείκεια epieı́keia Acts 24:4 2 Corinthians 10:1 Titus 3:2 James 3:17 1 Peter 2:18
