Matthew 5:5 - Blessed Are The Meek, Gentle Or Is It The Humble?
Matthew 5:5 (NIV) Blessed are the meek, for
they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 (HCSB) The gentle are blessed,
for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 (NLT) God blesses those who are
humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
WORD STUDY
Meekness: The meaning of prautes "is not
readily expressed in English, for the terms
meekness, mildness, commonly used, suggest weakness
and pusillanimity to a greater or less extent,
whereas prautes does nothing of the kind.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to find a rendering less
open to objection than `meekness'; `gentleness'
has been suggested, but as prautes describes a
condition of mind and heart, and as `gentleness' is
appropriate rather to actions, this word is no better
than that used in both English Versions. It must
be clearly understood, therefore, that the
meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the
believer is the fruit of power. The common assumption
is that when a man is meek it is because he
cannot help himself; but the Lord was `meek'
because he had the infinite resources of God at His
command. Described negatively, meekness is the
opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it
is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated
nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied
with self at all. [Vines Expository
Dictionary]
Meekness: never implies weakness. In
contrast to weakness, meekness is controlled
strength. It is an attitude of heart in which all
energies are brought into the perfect control of the
Holy Spirit. [Believers SB]
Meekness: A personality trait of gentleness
and humility, the opposite of which is pride.
Meekness does not refer to weakness or passivity but
to controlled power. [Holmans Bible
Dictionary]
Meek: This beatitude is taken from Ps. 37:11
(see note there) and refers in Matthew to an
internal disposition of humility before God, an
external reality of low status, or both. [NIV SB
2020]
Those who are humble: See Ps 37:11, which
Jesus practically quotes here. Elsewhere, Jesus
describes himself in similar terms - in contrast to
other teachers (11:29) and as one who shuns pride
(12:17"21; 21:5). This trait of Jesus is exemplified in
his death on the cross (1 Pet 2:23; 3:9). [NLT
SB 2008]
What does it mean - humility? The dictionary
defines it thus: The quality or state of being
humble in spirit; freedom from pride or arrogance.
Augustine says, "It was pride that changed angels into
devils; it is humility that makes men as angels."
Again, he says, "Should you ask me, What is the
first thing in religion? I should reply, The
first, second, and third thing therein - nay all-
is humility." Ben Franklin said, "After crosses
and losses men grow humbler and wiser." Jonathan
Edwards said, "Nothing sets a person so much out of
the devil's reach as humility." And others have
said, "The fullest and best ears of corn hang
lowest toward the ground" (Edward Reynolds). "I
believe the first test of a truly great man is his
humility" (Ruskin). "Humility is the Christian's
greatest honor; and the higher men climb, the further
they are from heaven" (Jane Porter). "True
humility makes way for Christ, and throws the soul at
His feet" (J. Mason). [Yokefellows]
COMMENTARY PEARLS
We dont hear a lot about meekness
today. It isnt celebrated, but it is really
important.
Jesus said, Blessed are the meek, for
they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5
NKJV). To put it another way, you can be blessed if
youre a meek person. It means that you are no
longer inflated with pride. You have seen your real
condition, and as a result, youre meek.
By the way, weakness and meekness are not
the same. Lets say, for example, that
youre a professional boxer. And lets say that
someone is harassing you. But you dont hit them
back, even though you could. You choose not to
strike back, even though theyre mistreating you.
That is not weakness. That is meekness.
Now lets say that have no fighting
skills at all and someone is harassing you. But you
dont hit back. Thats because you dont
really have a lot of options.
On the other hand, the person who knows
how to fight has an option. Even so, they choose
not to exercise that option. That is meekness.
It means power under constraint.
The word Jesus used here for meek is a
Greek term that describes the breaking of a
powerful stallion. Have you ever been on a horse that
didnt want to do what you wanted it to? When a
horse submits to the riders will, that is
meekness.
In the same way, when we surrender
ourselves to Gods will, we exhibit meekness. How
different this is from our culture. In the Bible, the
last are first. Giving is receiving. Dying is
living. Losing is finding. The least are the
greatest. Weakness is strength.
A happy person, therefore, will be a meek
person. Seeing ourselves as we really are produces a
vital spiritual quality: meekness. [Greg Laurie
from Harvest Ministries;
https://www.harvestdaily.com]
If you want to make healthy choices - to
be well and whole again - you have to learn to
be meek. Matthew 5:5 says, Blessed are the
meek, for they will inherit the earth (NIV).
The Bible lists many benefits of
meekness: The meek will be satisfied (Psalm 22:26);
God will guide them (Psalm 25:9); they will
become wise (Proverbs 11:2); they will be filled
with fresh joy (Isaiah 29:19).
There are many, many other benefits. The
problem is, we misunderstand this term. We dont
really know what meekness is. In fact, we often
confuse it with another term that sounds like it:
Meek sounds like weak. Nobody wants to be
weak, so nobody wants to be meek.
But the truth is that meekness and
weakness are at the opposite ends of the spectrum.
Meekness is in no way weakness. In fact, the Greek
word for meekness literally means strength
under control.
To be meek is not to be weak. Its used
to describe a wild stallion that has been
tamed. That stallion still has all the strength it
had when it was wild, but now its strength is
under control. It is strength bottled up for the
masters use.
God doesnt want you to be weak, but he
does want you to be meek. The Bible teaches that
its one of the keys to stress reduction in your
life.
Heres a simple definition of the word
meek: Let go, and let God. That is the essence of
meekness. Its surrendering, submitting, and
agreeing to what God wants to do in your life. Its
letting God be God in your life.
Let go, and let God. I dont know a
phrase that will do more for your health -
physically or emotionally - than this phrase. If you
begin to practice it in your life, it will relieve
stress and eliminate worry. If you let go and let
God, it will defuse anger and end your hurt and
resentment.
If you find yourself struggling today,
start to cultivate meekness in your life. Let go,
and let God. [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren:
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
COMMENTARY
Jesus was well familiar with Hebrew
Scripture. He quoted it often and expanded on its
truths. The blessing for the meek is one of those
quotes; Psalm 37:11 says the same thing. The meek
will inherit the land and enjoy peace and
prosperity. The gentle people of Israel - the ones who
have power without abusing it, who could promote
themselves but don't, who submit themselves to God
without rebelling against Him - are the ones who
will actually inherit the nation.
Jesus reiterates this - the word
translated "the earth is also the word for "the
land, as in the country - and possibly expands on
it. On a much grander scale, those who are last
will be first, not just in Israel but in the new
earth. On a cosmic stage, these people will be
exalted and rule with Christ in His Kingdom.
Who are the meek? They are lowly in
heart, unassuming, unpretentious, and gentle.
Meekness can imply brokenness, as in the case of a
horse that no longer resists his masters bridle.
The word can refer to humility - an attitude
Jesus has already included in the blessing of the
poor in spirit - and it is especially seen in
those who have other options. Whether its
referring to people with earthly status and power or
children of the King with spiritual privilege and the
keys of the Kingdom, the meek don't oppress,
push, control, manipulate, berate, complain, or
wield a heavy hand. They understand the kindness
and gentleness of God, and they demonstrate it.
Kingdom people are not self-promoting. We
may be bold, persistent, and even brash in
spiritual pursuits, but we don't buy into the "every
man for himself" philosophy of the world. It
doesn't fit the Kingdom culture, and we don't have
any need for it anyway. A person with a meek
heart can trust God for promotion and position
rather than forcing him- or herself into it.
Meekness is an attitude of confidence in Him. And it
leads to blessing. [The One Year Heaven On Earth
Devotional by Chris Tiegreen]
Part of Christ's prescription for
happiness is "Blessed are the meek, for they shall
inherit the earth" (Mt 5:5, kjv). How we have shied
away from that word "meek." We have thought of
meekness as a weakness and thus have a totally wrong
concept of what Jesus meant. The Amplified Bible
translates it thus: "Blessed are the meek (the mild,
patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the
earth." The dictionary defines "meek" as "humble,
compliant, and submissive". Does this mean that Jesus
expects the children of the kingdom to be like
subdued puppies who crawl into their master's
presence and cower at his feet? Or to become the type
of people who lack inner fortitude and
gumption, who can be easily pushed around and
manipulated?
The truly meek person - in the biblical
sense of the word - is not timid, shy, hesitant,
and unassuming, but trusting, confident, and
secure. The root meaning of the word "meekness" is
that of yieldedness or surrender - a
characteristic without which no real progress can be made
in the Christian life. What happens, for
example, to the scientist who approaches the
mysteries of the universe in a spirit of meekness? He
finds its richest secrets unfolding themselves to
him, and he is able to harness the mighty forces
around him to advantage. The Christian who
approaches life in the same spirit - the spirit of
meekness and submission - discovers the true meaning
of his existence and the purpose of God in all
his affairs.
Gracious Father, help me to understand
clearly the difference between meekness and
weakness. And show me how to apply this principle in
all I say and in all I do. This I ask in
Christ's powerful and precious name. Amen. [Every Day
With Jesus Bible with Selwyn Hughes devotional]
re Psalm 149:4
CLOSING THOUGHT
Blessed are the meek, Jesus
explained. Blessed are the available.
Thats why the announcement went first
to the shepherds. They didnt ask God if he
was sure he knew what he was doing. Had the
angel gone to the theologians, they would have
first consulted their commentaries. Had he gone to
the elite, they would have looked around to see
if anyone was watching. Had he gone to the
successful, they would have first looked at their
calendars.
So he went to the shepherds. Men who
didnt have a reputation to protect or an ax to
grind or a ladder to climb. Men who didnt know
enough to tell God that angels dont sing to
sheep and that messiahs arent found wrapped in
rags and sleeping in a feed trough.
A small cathedral outside Bethlehem marks
the supposed birthplace of Jesus. Behind a high
altar in the church is a cave, a little cavern lit
by silver lamps.
You can enter the main edifice and admire
the ancient church. You can also enter the quiet
cave where a star embedded in the floor
recognizes the birth of the King. There is one
stipulation, however. You have to stoop. The door is so
low you cant go in standing up.
The same is true of the Christ. You can
see the world standing tall, but to witness the
Savior, you have to get on your knees.
So
while the theologians were sleeping
and the elite were dreaming
and the successful were snoring,
the meek were kneeling.
They were kneeling before the One only
the meek will see. They were kneeling in front
of Jesus. [Max Lucado Daily Devotional at
maxlucado.com]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
Matthew 5:5: - Blessed Are The Meek, Gentle
Or Is It The Humble?
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20051014-0856.html
Psalm 149:4 - Humble Praise
http://www.abible.com/devotions/1997/19970701-0000.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
