S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus opens with a series of statements known as the Beatitudes. The third Beatitude is "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Jesus' wor...

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October 23 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

Many may wish the meek would hurry up and inherit the earth. The un-meek are making such a mess of it!

In Matthew 5:5, Jesus is not praising weakness, passivity, timidity, or a lack of courage. Biblical meekness is humble submission to God that produces gentleness, patience, and self-control toward others. The meek are not those who lack strength, but those whose strength has been surrendered to God’s authority (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Greek word translated “meek” (praus --πραΰς) describes someone whose strength is under control. Meekness is not the absence of power; it is power governed by righteousness. A meek person does not demand their own way, defend their own pride, or seek personal revenge because they trust God’s wisdom, justice, and timing (1 Peter 2:21-23).

This is why Jesus Himself is the greatest example of meekness. He describes Himself as “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29), yet He boldly confronted sin, rebuked false teachers, and willingly endured unjust suffering. Meekness does not mean refusing to stand for truth; it means standing for truth without pride, hatred, or selfish anger (2 Corinthians 10:1).

The placement of this Beatitude is significant. Jesus begins with the “poor in spirit,” those who recognize their complete spiritual dependence upon God, and He then speaks of those who mourn over sin (Matthew 5:3-4). The meek are those who, having recognized their need before God, humbly submit themselves to His rule and receive His instruction (Psalm 25:9).

20 hours ago • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report