Gravity
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
denotes "venerableness, dignity;" it is a necessary characteristic of the life and conduct of Christians, 1—Timothy 2:2 , RV, "gravity" (AV, "honesty"), a qualification of a bishop or overseer in a church, in regard to his children, 1—Timothy 3:4; a necessary characteristic of the teaching imparted by a servant of God, Titus 2:7 . Cp. the adjective semnos, under Grave
King James Dictionary [2]
GRAV'ITY, n. L. gravitas, from gravis, heavy. See Grave.
1. Weight heaviness. 2. In philosophy, that force by which bodies tend or are pressed or drawn towards the center of the earth, or towards some other center, or the effect of that force in which last sense gravity is synonymous with weight.
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [3]
Is that seriousness of mind, united with dignity of behaviour, that commands, veneration and respect.
See Dr. Watts's admirable Sermon of Gravity, ser. 23. vol. 1:
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [4]
grav´i - ti ( σεμνότης , semnótēs ): The word, meaning properly "venerableness," "sanctity," is used in 2 Maccabees 3:12 of the "sanctity" of the temple. In 1 Timothy 3:4 the writer declares that a characteristic of a bishop should be that he has "his children in subjection with all gravity." Titus is enjoined ( Titus 2:7 f) in his "doctrine" (teaching) to show "uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech (Revised Version), that cannot be condemned" (compare 1 Timothy 3:8 ). In 1 Timothy 2:2 the same word is translated "honesty" (the Revised Version (British and American) "gravity"), "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." A better rendering of semnotēs might be "dignity" or "dignified seriousness" (Olshausen), which quality is necessary, both on the part of parents in relation to their children, if they are to be properly trained, and on the part of preachers and teachers, if their "doctrine" is to be worthily represented. All mere lightness of demeanor (the opposite of gravity) tells against the great trusts committed to both parents and teachers (compare 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:2 ). Such "gravity" or "dignified seriousness" ought indeed to characterize Christian demeanor in general, as in 1 Timothy 2:2 above.
