Meaning of the Word Meek in the Bible: Strength in Humility
Meek in the Bible, derived from the Hebrew ‘anavah’ and the Greek ‘praus,’ signifies humility, trust in God, and controlled strength. Biblically exemplified by Moses (Numbers 12:3), it stands for reliance on divine providence rather than self-reliance.
Jesus’ Beatitude in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” redefines meekness as central to the Kingdom of Heaven, highlighting its spiritual strength over worldly power. Historically misunderstood as weakness, scriptural analysis reveals meekness as a profound virtue inspiring peace and righteousness.
Further exploration will illuminate its deep theologically transformative impact.
Biblical Meaning of Meek: Humility, Strength, and Spiritual Significance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Meekness in the Bible refers to a gentle spirit marked by humility, self-control, and submission to God’s will. |
| Biblical Context | Frequently mentioned in Scripture, such as in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). |
| Spiritual Significance | Meekness is not weakness but strength under control. It represents reliance on God rather than personal power. |
| Traits of Meekness | Includes humility, patience, forgiveness, gentleness, and a willingness to learn and grow spiritually. |
| Examples in the Bible | Moses, described as “very meek” (Numbers 12:3), and Jesus, who invites us to “learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). |
| Application Today | Practicing meekness involves trusting God’s plan, treating others with respect, and remaining calm under pressure. |
Hebrew Roots of Meekness
The Hebrew concept of meekness, often encapsulated in the term ‘anavah,’ intertwines humility with a profound dependence on God, reflecting both a theological virtue and a historical context of submission to divine authority.
Rooted in scriptural passages such as Numbers 12:3, where Moses is described as ‘very meek, above all men,’ anavah signifies a strength that emerges from a trust in divine providence rather than self-reliance.
This virtue is not mere passivity; it embodies an active, conscious choice to yield to God’s will.
Historically, it reflects the Israelites’ covenantal relationship with God, emphasizing reliance and obedience as foundational to their identity.
Consequently, Hebrew meekness encompasses both individual character and communal faithfulness to God’s sovereign guidance.
Greek Understanding of Meek
In the Greek context, the concept of meekness, often articulated through the term ‘praus,’ conveys a nuanced blend of gentleness and controlled strength, deeply rooted in philosophical and ethical traditions. Aristotle, for instance, described ‘praus’ as the balanced virtue between excessive anger and indifference. This understanding aligns with the New scriptures usage, where meekness is seen as a virtue of the strong, embodying humility and self-control. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Galatians 5:23, listing meekness as a fruit of the Spirit. Consequently, Greek thought on meekness, imbued with ideals of balance and ethical moderation, appreciably influences its biblical interpretation.
| Greek Term | Philosophy | Scriptural Example |
|---|---|---|
| Praus | Aristotle | Galatians 5:23 |
| Prautes | Stoicism | Matthew 5:5 |
| Epieikes | Plato | Philippians 4:5 |
| Hupomone | Socrates | James 1:4 |
Meekness in the Old Testament
How does the Old Scripture conceptualize meekness within its theological and historical framework, particularly through figures like Moses and passages such as Psalm 37:11?
In the Old Scriptures, meekness often embodies humility and trust in God, eschewing self-assertion.
Moses, described as ‘very meek, above all men’ (Numbers 12:3), exemplifies this virtue by his reliance on God’s guidance rather than his own strength.
Psalm 37:11 articulates that ‘the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace,’ reflecting a promise of divine reward for those who exhibit humility.
These instances highlight meekness as not mere passivity but a dynamic trust in divine providence, underscoring a theological stance where humility aligns closely with righteousness and divine favor.
Jesus and the Beatitudes
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, profoundly redefines meekness by presenting it as a central virtue in the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This statement challenges contemporary norms of power and dominance, suggesting that true strength lies in humility and gentleness. The Beatitudes emphasize a radical inversion of worldly values, aligning meekness with divine favor and eternal reward.
| Beatitude | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| “Blessed are the poor in spirit” | Dependence on God |
| “Blessed are those who mourn” | Comfort through God’s presence |
| “Blessed are the meek” | Inheriting the earth through humility |
| “Blessed are those who hunger” | Righteousness leading to fulfillment |
| “Blessed are the merciful” | Receiving mercy through showing mercy |
This theological insight underscores meekness as an essential Christian attribute.
Living With Biblical Meekness
Embracing biblical meekness involves cultivating a spirit of humility and gentleness that reflects Christ’s teachings and exemplifies true discipleship.
Historically, meekness has been misunderstood as weakness, yet scriptural analysis reveals it as strength under control. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus pronounces, ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,’ underscoring meekness as a virtue of the Kingdom of God.
This aligns with the Old scripture’s portrayal in Psalm 37:11, where the meek are promised divine reward. Living with biblical meekness requires an intentional submission to God’s will, fostering patience and a forgiving heart.
Such a lifestyle not only mirrors Christ’s example but also invites transformative grace into personal and communal relationships, promoting peace and righteousness.
Conclusion
To summarize, biblical meekness, akin to a gentle river shaping the landscape over time, embodies humility, patience, and trust in divine providence.
Rooted in Hebrew and Greek traditions, it features prominently in both the Old Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Beatitudes.
Embracing meekness entails a transformative journey toward spiritual maturity and a deeper alignment with God’s will, offering a countercultural path of strength through submission and power through restraint.
