Introduction Who Are the Meek? Why Did Jesus Say, “Blessed Are the Meek”?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ delivered one of His most profound and transformative teachings. Among the Beatitudes, He said,
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”
Matthew 5:5
This statement has long intrigued scholars, theologians, and believers alike. But who exactly are the meek? And why did Jesus promise such a remarkable reward to them?
Understanding what it means to be meek, as well as the broader context of Jesus’ statement, is crucial for unlocking the deeper significance of this Beatitude. In this article, we will explore the biblical meaning of meekness, the cultural and historical context of Jesus’ words, and the implications of this virtue for Christians today.
The Beatitudes in Context: Understanding the Sermon on the Mount
Before diving into the specific meaning of meekness, it is important to understand the Sermon on the Mount and its significance. The Beatitudes, which open this sermon, provide a blueprint for living a life that aligns with the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Each Beatitude begins with the word “blessed” (Greek: makarios), which conveys a state of deep spiritual joy and fulfillment, not just temporary happiness.
The Beatitudes reverse the conventional wisdom of the time. They exalt the poor in spirit, the mourners, and, of course, the meek. In doing so, they set the tone for Jesus’ radical teaching that God’s kingdom operates on principles quite different from those of earthly kingdoms.
Who Are the Meek?
To understand who the meek are, we must first define what meekness means. In modern language, meekness is often misunderstood as weakness or timidity. However, biblical meekness has a far deeper and more complex meaning.
The Greek word translated as “meek” is praus, which conveys the idea of gentleness, humility, and controlled strength. Far from implying passivity, meekness in the biblical sense refers to a person who is strong yet under control, someone who does not assert themselves for selfish purposes but submits willingly to God’s will.
Meekness in the Old Testament
The concept of meekness appears throughout the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms and the Prophets. One of the most prominent examples of meekness in the Old Testament is Moses. Numbers 12:3 describes Moses as
“very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.”
Moses was certainly not weak. He led the Israelites out of Egypt, confronted Pharaoh, and guided the nation through the wilderness. Yet, Moses demonstrated a meekness in his submission to God’s will and in his humble leadership of the people.
Another key Old Testament reference is Psalm 37:11:
“But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”
This verse directly echoes Jesus’ words in the Beatitude and suggests that the meek are those who trust in God’s justice rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Meekness in the New Testament
In the New Testament, meekness is further developed as a virtue exemplified by Jesus Christ Himself. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart,” inviting people to take His yoke upon them. This self-description reflects His meekness—a combination of power and humility.
The Apostle Paul also encourages believers to exhibit meekness as part of their Christian walk. In Galatians 5:22-23, meekness (translated as “gentleness” in many versions) is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. In Colossians 3:12, Paul urges believers to
“clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Why Did Jesus Say, “Blessed Are the Meek”?
The promise attached to the meek in Matthew 5:5 is that
“they shall inherit the earth.”
To understand why Jesus said this, we need to examine both the historical and theological context.
Cultural and Historical Context
At the time of Jesus’ ministry, the people of Israel were living under Roman occupation. Many Jews were expecting a Messiah who would lead a political revolution and restore Israel’s sovereignty. However, Jesus’ message was not about violent revolution or asserting power. Instead, He taught a radical inversion of expectations, where true power came from submission to God and humility before others.
By saying “Blessed are the meek,” Jesus was challenging the prevailing notion that force and dominance were the paths to victory. Instead, He taught that God’s kingdom belongs to those who trust in Him, who are humble, and who do not seek to assert their own power.
Theological Significance
From a theological perspective, meekness is closely tied to the concept of trust in God. The meek are those who rely on God’s justice, rather than their own strength, to set things right. This reflects a deep sense of faith, acknowledging that God is sovereign and in control, even in the face of injustice or hardship.
The promise that the meek will “inherit the earth” can be understood both in an eschatological sense (referring to the future kingdom of God) and in a present sense. In the future, the meek will share in the new heavens and new earth promised in Revelation 21. In the present, the meek experience a foretaste of this inheritance as they live in harmony with God’s will and trust in His provision.
The Virtue of Meekness: How It Transforms Lives
Meekness, as described by Jesus, is a transformative virtue that has the power to reshape our relationships with God, with others, and with the world.
Meekness and Our Relationship with God
Meekness begins with a right understanding of our relationship with God. It is an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him and a willingness to submit to His will, even when we do not fully understand it. This humility before God is the foundation of true faith, as it reflects a heart that trusts in His goodness and sovereignty.
In practical terms, meekness leads to a life of obedience to God’s commands and a willingness to surrender our own desires and ambitions to His greater plan.
Meekness and Our Relationship with Others
Meekness also transforms our relationships with others. The meek person is not quick to take offense or assert their own rights but is instead patient, forgiving, and willing to endure wrongs without seeking revenge.
In a world that often values assertiveness and self-promotion, meekness stands in stark contrast. It calls us to put others before ourselves, to seek peace rather than conflict, and to respond to offenses with gentleness rather than anger.
The Apostle Paul encourages this kind of meekness in Ephesians 4:2:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
This attitude fosters unity and harmony within the body of Christ, as believers learn to prioritize the needs of others over their own.
Meekness and Our Relationship with the World
Finally, meekness transforms our relationship with the world. The promise that the meek will inherit the earth reflects the biblical principle that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). While the world often rewards aggression and ambition, God’s kingdom operates on a different set of values.
The meek person is content with what God provides, trusting that He will ultimately vindicate them. This attitude frees believers from the endless pursuit of worldly power and success, allowing them to focus on serving God and others.
Living Out Meekness Today
In today’s society, meekness is often seen as a weakness. The cultural message is to be assertive, to fight for our rights, and to promote ourselves. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live counterculturally. Meekness is not about being passive or letting others walk over us; it is about trusting in God’s sovereignty and responding to the challenges of life with gentleness and humility.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Meekness
- Trust in God’s Plan: Meekness begins with trust in God. When we surrender our ambitions, fears, and frustrations to Him, we can live with the confidence that He is in control.
- Practice Humility: Meekness is closely tied to humility. By regularly reflecting on our dependence on God and the example of Christ’s humility, we can grow in meekness.
- Respond Gently: In moments of conflict, choose to respond with gentleness rather than anger. This reflects the spirit of meekness and brings peace to our relationships.
Examples of Meekness in Modern Life
Consider the lives of people who embody meekness today. Whether it is a humble leader, a patient parent, or a forgiving friend, these examples remind us that meekness is a powerful force for good in the world.
Conclusion
When Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” He was revealing a profound truth about the nature of His kingdom. The meek are those who trust in God, submit to His will, and live in humility and gentleness toward others. Far from being weak, they demonstrate a strength that comes from their reliance on God’s power, not their own.
In a world that often values aggression and self-promotion, the call to meekness is a radical invitation to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. As we seek to cultivate meekness in our own lives, we can rest in the promise that God sees and rewards those who walk humbly with Him.