Who Are the Meek? Exploring Biblical Teachings on Meekness

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Who are the meek in scripture? This question invites us to explore a biblical virtue often misunderstood or overlooked. In both the Old and New Testaments, meekness is described as a blend of humility, gentleness, and strength, rather than weakness or passivity. It involves a deep trust in God and a calm, confident approach to life’s challenges.

In this post we’ll unpack the rich meanings of meekness in scripture, offering insights into how this quality is both a divine strength and a call to compassionate living.

Meekness in the Old Testament: The Hebrew Perspective

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew words anav (עָנָו) and ani (עָנִי) are often translated as “meek” or “humble.” These words encompass a range of meanings, including humility, gentleness, and even affliction. They describe a person who acknowledges their dependence on God and recognizes their limitations.

Anav is notably used in describing Moses, one of the greatest leaders in Israel’s history. Numbers 12:3 states:

“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.”

NASB

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This verse emphasizes Moses’ humility and his refusal to rely on his own strength, instead choosing to depend entirely on God’s guidance and power. Moses’ meekness is highlighted in his willingness to intercede for the Israelites, even when they rebelled against God (Exodus 32:11-14).

Ani, another word for meekness, often refers to those who are humble or poor. In Psalm 37:11, it says:

“But the humble shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

JPS Tanakh

This verse underscores the idea that meekness is not about weakness but about finding strength in submission to God’s will. The meek are those who trust in God’s justice and wait patiently for His deliverance.

The Old Testament prophets also speak of meekness in connection with righteousness and justice. Isaiah 61:1 says:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.”

NASB

The term “afflicted” (ani) here can be interpreted as “meek,” highlighting God’s special concern for the humble and oppressed. This passage points to a divine mission of comfort and liberation for those who are downtrodden, linking meekness with divine compassion and justice.

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Meekness in the New Testament: The Greek Perspective

In the New Testament, the Greek root word praus (πραΰς) is used to describe meekness. This term conveys a sense of gentleness, mildness, and humility, particularly in one’s disposition and behavior. It implies a controlled strength that is patient and kind, even in the face of provocation.

One of the most famous references to meekness in the New Testament is found in the Beatitudes. In Matthew 5:5, Yeshua (Jesus) says:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

NASB

This statement is revolutionary because it suggests, in opposition to what the world teaches, that those who are gentle and humble, rather than aggressive and dominant, will ultimately receive God’s blessings. The promise of inheriting the earth echoes Old Testament themes and reassures believers that meekness aligns with God’s values and will be rewarded.

Yeshua Himself is the epitome of meekness. In Matthew 11:29, He invites His followers:

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

NASB

The word “gentle” here translates the Greek root word praus, reflecting Yeshua’s humble nature. Despite His divine authority, Yeshua chose to live humbly, serving others and submitting to the Father’s will, even to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-8).

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes meekness as a vital Christian virtue. In Galatians 5:23, he lists “gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law,” as part of the fruit of the Spirit. Here, meekness (praus) is associated with self-control, suggesting that it involves a mastery over your emotions and actions. It is a deliberate choice to respond with patience and kindness rather than anger or retaliation.

In Ephesians 4:2, Paul further advises believers to:

“…walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.”

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The word “gentleness” (praus) highlights the importance of meekness in maintaining unity and peace within the Christian community. It involves bearing with others’ faults and weaknesses, prioritizing love and forgiveness over judgment and condemnation.

Meekness and the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes present a vision of God’s Kingdom that upends conventional human values. When Yeshua says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5), He is affirming that true strength lies not in aggression or domination but in gentleness and humility.

This teaching draws from the Old Testament, particularly Psalm 37:11, which states:

“But the humble shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

JSP Tanakh

Both passages promise that those who live humbly and meekly will receive God’s blessings, both in this world and in the olam haba or “world to come”.

The Beatitudes suggest a future reality where God’s justice and peace prevail, and the meek, often overlooked or undervalued by the world, are recognized and rewarded. This eschatological hope encourages believers to cultivate meekness, trusting in God’s ultimate plan and timing rather than seeking immediate gratification or power.

The Role of Meekness in Women’s Lives

Meekness, as defined biblically, does not imply inferiority or passivity, especially concerning women. Instead, it embodies a strength that is expressed through humility and gentle strength.

Proverbs 31 provides a portrait of the “virtuous woman” (eshet chayil, אֵשֶׁת חַיִל), who is characterized by her wisdom, dignity, and strong character. Proverbs 31:25-26 states:

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

NASB

This depiction of the virtuous woman highlights that meekness involves a wise and gentle strength, not weakness or submission to unjust authority.

Biblical women like Esther, Ruth, and Mary, the mother of Yeshua, exemplify this kind of meekness. Esther’s courageous actions in saving her people, as seen in Esther 4:16, demonstrate a boldness that coexists with humility.

Ruth’s loyalty and humility in her relationship with Naomi and Boaz (Ruth 1:16-17) showcase her gentle strength. Mary’s acceptance of her role in God’s plan, despite the potential repercussions, reflects a profound humility and trust in God (Luke 1:38).

These women’s stories show that meekness is not about being passive or subservient. Instead, it involves a deliberate and often courageous choice to trust in God’s justice and act in ways that align with His will, even when it requires personal sacrifice or defies societal norms.

Meekness and Social Justice

Meekness is closely related to themes of justice and righteousness in the Bible. It is not about passivity in the face of injustice but about responding to injustice with patience, humility, and a commitment to God’s righteousness. The meek trust that God is ultimately in control and that He will bring about justice in His time.

Isaiah 61:1 speaks of a mission to:

“…bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.”

NASB

The word “afflicted” here can also be interpreted as “meek,” reflecting a divine concern for those who are humble and oppressed. This verse highlights the active role of the meek in promoting justice and healing in society.

Meekness involves a commitment to standing up for the oppressed and marginalized, advocating for justice while maintaining a spirit of humility and grace.

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth

The promise that “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5) and “the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant peace” (Psalm 37:11) underscores a profound truth about God’s Kingdom. This inheritance is not about worldly power or wealth but about a deeper, spiritual fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God’s will. It speaks to a future reality where those who live gently and humbly will experience true peace and security.

This promise also reassures the meek that their quiet strength and patience are not in vain. In a world that often values assertiveness and aggression, the biblical message is clear: true blessing and inheritance come to those who are meek, who trust in God and live according to His values.

My Final Thoughts: Who Are the Meek?

So to sum up the answer to the question “who are the meek?”, they are individuals who, regardless of whether they are male or female, exhibit humility, gentleness, and self-control. The biblical portrayal of meekness involves a strength that is expressed through a calm and patient demeanor, a deep trust in God’s justice, and a commitment to living righteously.

Far from being a call to weakness or subservience, meekness is a powerful force for good, enabling believers to navigate life’s challenges with grace and to advocate for justice and peace. For women and men alike, embracing meekness means living with integrity, strength, and a quiet confidence in God’s promises, trusting that in the end, the meek will indeed inherit the earth.

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NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“

Tanakh: a New Translation of the Holy Scriptures According to the Traditional Hebrew Text. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1985

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