A Look at the Beatitudes: The Meek

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The third of JESUS’ eight beatitudes in Matthew 5 states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Defining Meekness 

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary gives three definitions for the adjective “meek”

1. Mild: enduring injury with patience and without resentment
2. Submissive: deficient in spirit and courage
3. Moderate: not violent or strong

The Greek word translated “meek” is praeis and refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit, or humility.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary interpretation of meek personality who are to be blessed in JESUS’ third beatitude are those who “quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer; who, in their patience, keep possession of their own souls. This interpretation lines up perfectly with both the dictionary definition and the Greek translation – mildness, enduring injury with patience and without resentment.

This personality is neither submissive nor moderate as Henry’s Commentary further states this is a meekness which promotes wealth, comfort, and safety, even in this world.

 

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible says this about meekness – Meekness produces peace. It is proof of true greatness of soul. It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. It looks upon those who offer them with pity. He that is constantly ruffled; that suffers every little insult or injury to throw him off his guard and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of every mortal that chooses to disturb him. He is like "the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."

Meekness is a character that requires inner strength – it is a character that CHRIST JESUS ascribes to Himself in Matthew 11: 29. “I am meek and lowly.” Many of us who were raised in Christian homes will remember first childhood bedtime prayer we were taught which began, “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild….”

To be meek and lowly is not the same as submissive or lacking in courage. JESUS on several occasions during His ministry proves this when He challenges injustice on His behalf and others. On one occasion, after His betrayal and arrest, He questions the High Priest’s official’s insults and physical assault against Him, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” John 18:19-23.

There is no hint of aggression or meanness in JESUS’ words, nor is there a shrinking timidity; He is direct but respectful in His response to uncivil and unfair behaviors. 

JESUS knew exactly who He was – GOD in human flesh. He had the power and authority to do whatever He wanted, but, for our sake, He exhibited the ultimate in meekness. He chose to submit to beatings and insults and ultimately He submitted Himself to death on a cross.

Though he was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to….He gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave…He humbled himself in obedience to God  and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Because the children of GOD are promised persecution,(...all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:5,) we must grow daily in meekness to respond appropriately when we are faced with unpleasantness; especially when we share the gospel message. “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness (meekness) and respect,….” 1 Peter 3:15-16.

A humble response will always be more effective than hostility, and for this, we have JESUS’ promise of blessedness. A meek person will be happy or blessed.

 The Blessing of Meekness

JESUS said, the meek “shall inherit the earth.”  The earth here speaks of heaven right here on earth, GOD’s perfect kingdom is coming to earth, the New Jerusalem. “I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.... And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem…” (Revelation 21:1-2.) 

All the godly, the meek, the poor in spirit, the mourners – will inherit GOD’s kingdom here on earth. Those who obey Him and submit their will to Him will live with Him for all eternity, and have all the good things that non-believers fruitlessly strive for in this present earth, and more. 

This new earth will be a place of holiness and purity, set aside for those who have been justified to receive the blessedness JESUS promised.  … But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27

Because we recognize true strength in meekness, to some degree, the children of GOD already have some benefits of GOD’s kingdom in this present world. We daily have peace and contentment that the rest of the world does not have.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose mercy never runs out and whose love is unfathomable, we thank you for CHRIST JESUS who is both our teacher and example of how we should live in this world that is not our home. Thank you for the promise of blessedness in meekness, for the New Jerusalem that is our inheritance if we do not faint or give up. Teach us to be patient and not grow weary in obedience and remind us that our labor is not in vein. YOU have promised that you withhold no good thing from those who live righteously and we walk daily in the joy of YOUR promise and keep our eyes on our SAVIOR and LORD, the AUTHOR and the FINISHER of our faith, by which we will see YOU, our GOD. To whom, be dominion and power for ever and ever. We ask all things in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile