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== Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament <ref name="term_56667" /> == | |||
<p> [[Meekness]] was hallowed as a [[Christian]] virtue by the beatitude of Matthew 5:5, though it is not improbable that our Lord’s use of the phrase ‘the meek’ implied the semi-technical connotation of the OT, where they are the godly remnant, often oppressed and nearly always obscure, in opposition to ‘the rich,’ the men of violence and pride, who dominated the society of [[Israel]] in the ages of warfare, defensive and offensive. Christ’s own character (Matthew 11:29) was the immortal witness of His sympathy with the saint, who was downtrodden, misunderstood, and persecuted, and who endured contradiction with courage and patience. ‘Christ Himself is the Christian law,’ and His moral pre-eminence was the ground of His claim to human obedience; but in calling upon the race to take His yoke, He speaks as One ‘meek and lowly of heart,’ <i> i.e. </i> as One who had Himself mastered self-will, especially in the form of ‘the restless desire for distinction and eminence,’ and had subordinated His nature to the love which seeketh not its own, but the things of others (cf. J. R. Seeley, <i> Ecce Homo </i> 11, 1873, ch. xv.). Thus, the meekness which He blessed and taught by His own conduct was the self-conquest which rendered Him indifferent to the glamour of external conditions such as wealth, ease, fame, and sovereignty, by which even the greatest minds have been dazzled; and further, it was opposed to the spirit of resentment, hatred, and pride, which is often the product of contumely, pain, unjust suffering, and obscurity. For the application of this principle to slavery in the Christian economy of life, see articleSlave, Slavery. </p> <p> In apostolic literature the word ‘meekness’ (πραΰτης, also found in the form πραότης or πρᾳότης, and πραϋπάθεια, only in 1 Timothy 6:11 and Ign. <i> ad Trall. </i> viii. 1) is of frequent occurrence. St. [[Paul]] uses it eight times and the [[Apostolic]] [[Fathers]] about a dozen. In 1 Corinthians 4:21 it is linked with ‘love,’ and indicates the forgiving spirit which has abandoned stern measures; in 2 Corinthians 10:1 with ἐπιείκεια, and is used of [[Christ]] in a memorable phrase; in Galatians 5:23 it is one of the fruits of the [[Spirit]] and in Galatians 6:1 is applied to the kindly treatment of an offender; in Ephesians 4:2 the context suggests the gentleness of patience (cf. Colossians 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:25, and Titus 3:2). In James 1:21 it refers to the attitude of humble receptivity, and in James 3:13 is a quality of Christian ‘wisdom.’ In 1 Peter 3:15 it is united with φόβος as a safeguard against the calumny with which the opponents of [[Christianity]] pursued the believer. </p> <p> In 1 Clem. xxi. 7 and xxx. 8 we find it allied with ἐπιείκεια (cf. Diog. vii. 4), and in lxi. 2 with εἰρήνη; in <i> Ep. Barn. </i> xx. 2 it stands side by side with ὑπομονή (cf. <i> Did. </i> v. 2). In Ign. <i> ad Trall. </i> iii. 2 it is described as ‘the power of the bishop,’ and later on, in iv. 2, as the weapon which is to destroy the ruler of this world (cf. <i> ad Polyc. </i> ii. 1 and vi. 2). [[Hermas]] ( <i> Mand. </i> v. ii. 6) links it with ἡσυχία (cf. 1 Peter 3:4; 1 Peter 3:1 Clem. xiii. 4, where the corresponding adjectives are used, the former being defined by Bengel as <i> mansuetus </i> , ‘one who does not cause disturbance,’ the latter as <i> tranquillus </i> , ‘one who bears calmly the disturbances of others’) and ( <i> ib. </i> XII. iii. 1) with πίστις. </p> <p> Thus, it would appear that the ideas of patience under injury, the forgiving spirit, peaceableness of disposition and life, and gentleness toward the erring enter into the use of the word in apostolic and sub-apostolic literature. </p> <p> R. [[Martin]] Pope. </p> | |||
== Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology <ref name="term_18054" /> == | == Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology <ref name="term_18054" /> == | ||
<p> [[Late]] twentieth-century [[Western]] culture does not hold meekness to be a virtue, in contrast to the ancient [[Near]] East and the Greco-Roman world, which placed a high premium on it. This dramatic shift in values is problematic for contemporary biblical translation. Most modern versions replace the noun "meekness" by "gentleness" or "humility, " largely as a result of the pejorative overtones of weakness and effeminacy now associated with meekness. These connotations were not always predominant in the word, for ancient Near [[Eastern]] kings were not reluctant to describe themselves as meek in the same context in which they described themselves as mighty kings (Babylonian <i> asru </i> and <i> sanaqu </i> ; [[Aramaic]] <i> nh </i> ). What has prompted the discrepancy between the biblical and contemporary attitudes toward this virtue? </p> <p> There are two essential components for this quality to come into play in the Bible: a conflict in which an individual is unable to control or influence circumstances. Typical human responses in such circumstances include frustration, bitterness, or anger, but the one who is guided by God's spirit accepts God's ability to direct events (Galatians 5:23; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; Titus 3:2; James 1:21; 3:13 ). [[Meekness]] is therefore an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that are wisely seen by the individual as only part of a larger picture. Meekness is not a resignation to fate, a passive and reluctant submission to events, for there is little virtue in such a response. Nevertheless, since the two responsesresignation and meeknessare externally often indistinguishable, it is easy to see how what was once perceived as a virtue has become a defect in contemporary society. The patient and hopeful endurance of undesirable circumstances identifies the person as externally vulnerable and weak but inwardly resilient and strong. Meekness does not identify the weak but more precisely the strong who have been placed in a position of weakness where they persevere without giving up. The use of the [[Greek]] word when applied to animals makes this clear, for it means "tame" when applied to wild animals. In other words, such animals have not lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others. </p> <p> Therefore, it is quite appropriate for all people, from the poor to ancient Near Eastern kings, to describe their submission to [[God]] by the term "meek" (Moses in Numbers 12:3 ). On the other hand, this quality by definition cannot be predicated of God, and therefore constitutes one of the attributes of creatures that they do not share with their Creator. Nevertheless, in the incarnation [[Jesus]] is freely described as meek, a concomitant of his submission to suffering and to the will of the Father (Matthew 11:29; 21:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1 ). The single most frequently attested context in which the meek are mentioned in the [[Bible]] is one in which they are vindicated and rewarded for their patient endurance (Psalm 22:26; 25:9; 37:11; 76:9; 147:6; 149:4; Isaiah 11:4; 29:19; 61:1; Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 5:5 ). </p> <p> Samuel A. Meier </p> <p> <i> See also </i> [[Gifts Of [[Holy]] Spirit]] </p> | <p> [[Late]] twentieth-century [[Western]] culture does not hold meekness to be a virtue, in contrast to the ancient [[Near]] East and the Greco-Roman world, which placed a high premium on it. This dramatic shift in values is problematic for contemporary biblical translation. Most modern versions replace the noun "meekness" by "gentleness" or "humility, " largely as a result of the pejorative overtones of weakness and effeminacy now associated with meekness. These connotations were not always predominant in the word, for ancient Near [[Eastern]] kings were not reluctant to describe themselves as meek in the same context in which they described themselves as mighty kings (Babylonian <i> asru </i> and <i> sanaqu </i> ; [[Aramaic]] <i> nh </i> ). What has prompted the discrepancy between the biblical and contemporary attitudes toward this virtue? </p> <p> There are two essential components for this quality to come into play in the Bible: a conflict in which an individual is unable to control or influence circumstances. Typical human responses in such circumstances include frustration, bitterness, or anger, but the one who is guided by God's spirit accepts God's ability to direct events (Galatians 5:23; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; Titus 3:2; James 1:21; 3:13 ). [[Meekness]] is therefore an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that are wisely seen by the individual as only part of a larger picture. Meekness is not a resignation to fate, a passive and reluctant submission to events, for there is little virtue in such a response. Nevertheless, since the two responsesresignation and meeknessare externally often indistinguishable, it is easy to see how what was once perceived as a virtue has become a defect in contemporary society. The patient and hopeful endurance of undesirable circumstances identifies the person as externally vulnerable and weak but inwardly resilient and strong. Meekness does not identify the weak but more precisely the strong who have been placed in a position of weakness where they persevere without giving up. The use of the [[Greek]] word when applied to animals makes this clear, for it means "tame" when applied to wild animals. In other words, such animals have not lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others. </p> <p> Therefore, it is quite appropriate for all people, from the poor to ancient Near Eastern kings, to describe their submission to [[God]] by the term "meek" (Moses in Numbers 12:3 ). On the other hand, this quality by definition cannot be predicated of God, and therefore constitutes one of the attributes of creatures that they do not share with their Creator. Nevertheless, in the incarnation [[Jesus]] is freely described as meek, a concomitant of his submission to suffering and to the will of the Father (Matthew 11:29; 21:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1 ). The single most frequently attested context in which the meek are mentioned in the [[Bible]] is one in which they are vindicated and rewarded for their patient endurance (Psalm 22:26; 25:9; 37:11; 76:9; 147:6; 149:4; Isaiah 11:4; 29:19; 61:1; Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 5:5 ). </p> <p> Samuel A. Meier </p> <p> <i> See also </i> [[Gifts Of [[Holy]] Spirit]] </p> | ||
== Holman Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_42404" /> == | |||
<p> [[Meekness]] or gentleness is exemplified by [[God]] (2 Samuel 22:36 , [[Psalm]] 18:35 ), [[Moses]] (Numbers 12:1-13 ), and [[Jesus]] (Zechariah 9:9 , Matthew 11:29 , Matthew 12:14-21; Matthew 21:5 ). In the Old [[Testament]] the meek were often the poor and the oppressed (Amos 2:7; Amos 8:4; Job 24:4; Psalm 9:18; Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 16:19 ). The [[Hebrew]] word translated meek ( <i> anaw </i> ) means, “wretched, impoverished, oppressed, in need, bowed over,” but came to mean, “humble, pious.” </p> <p> The meek receive the special concern of God and are called blessed (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5 ). God identifies with the poor and oppressed, hears their pleas, and helps them (Psalm 10:17; Psalm 22:26; Psalm 25:9; Psalm 147:6; Psalm 149:4 ). The [[Messiah]] will also have a special ministry to the meek (Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18 ). </p> <p> [[Christians]] are encouraged to be meek (Ephesians 4:1-2; Colossians 3:12 ). Meekness is a fruit of the [[Spirit]] (Galatians 5:23 ) and should mark the Christian's attitude toward sinners (Galatians 6:1 ). [[Paul]] was meek with the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:21 ). [[Pastors]] should be meek and teach meekness (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:25; Titus 3:2 ). Christians should receive God's Word with meekness (James 1:21 ). [[Wisdom]] is expressed with meekness (James 3:13 ). [[Christian]] wives can witness to their unbelieving husbands with their meek spirit (1 Peter 3:1-4 ). All Christians should be prepared to give a defense of their faith in meekness (1 Peter 3:15 ). See [[Humility]]; [[Patience]]; [[Pride]]; Poor; [[Spiritual Gifts]] . </p> <p> [[Warren]] McWilliams </p> | |||
== Bridgeway Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_18845" /> == | == Bridgeway Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_18845" /> == | ||
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== Charles Buck Theological Dictionary <ref name="term_20154" /> == | == Charles Buck Theological Dictionary <ref name="term_20154" /> == | ||
<p> A temper of mind not easily provoked to resentment. In the [[Greek]] language it is quasi, facilis, sasiness of spirit, and thus it may be justly called; for it accommodates the soul to every occurrence, and so makes a man easy to himself, and to all about him. The Latins call a meek man mansuetus, qu. manu assuetus, used to the hand; which alludes to the taming and reclaiming of creatures wild by nature, and bringing them to be tractable and familiar, James 3:7-8 : so where the grace of meekness reigns, it subdues the impetuous disposition, and learns it submission and forgiveness. It teaches us to govern our own anger whenever we are at any time provoked, and patiently to bear the anger of others, that it may not be a provocation to us. The former is its office, especially in superiors; the latter in inferiors, and both in equals, James 3:13 . </p> <p> The excellency of such a spirit appears, if we consider that it enables us to gain a victory over corrupt nature, Proverbs 16:32; that it is a beauty and an ornament to human beings, 1 Peter 3:4; that it is obedience to God's word, and conformity to the best patterns, Ephesians 5:1-2 . Philippians 4:8 . It is productive of the highest peace to the possessor, Luke 21:19 . Matthew 11:28-29 . It fits us for any duty, instruction, relation, condition, or persecution, Philippians 4:11-12 . To obtain this spirit, consider that it is a divine injunction, Zephaniah 2:3 . Colossians 3:12 . 1 Timothy 6:11 . [[Observe]] the many examples of it; [[Jesus]] Christ, Matthew 11:28; Abraham, [[Genesis]] 13:1-18 : Genesis 16:5-6; Moses, Numb. 12: 3; David, Zeck. xiil 8. 2 Samuel 16:10; 2 Samuel 16:12 . Psalms 131:2; Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:19 . How lovely a spirit it is in itself, and how it secures us from a variety of evils. That peculiar promises are made to such, Matthew 5:5 . Is. 66: 2. That such give evidence of their being under the influence of divine grace, and shall enjoy the divine blessing, Is. 57: 15. </p> <p> See [[Henry]] on Meekness; Dunlop's Ser. vol. 2: p. 343; Evan's Ser. on the [[Christian]] Temper, ser. 29; Tillotson on 1 Peter 2:21; and on Matthew 5:44; Logan's Sermons. vol. 1: ser. 10; and Jortin's Sermons, ser. 11, vol. 3: </p> | <p> A temper of mind not easily provoked to resentment. In the [[Greek]] language it is quasi, facilis, sasiness of spirit, and thus it may be justly called; for it accommodates the soul to every occurrence, and so makes a man easy to himself, and to all about him. The Latins call a meek man mansuetus, qu. manu assuetus, used to the hand; which alludes to the taming and reclaiming of creatures wild by nature, and bringing them to be tractable and familiar, James 3:7-8 : so where the grace of meekness reigns, it subdues the impetuous disposition, and learns it submission and forgiveness. It teaches us to govern our own anger whenever we are at any time provoked, and patiently to bear the anger of others, that it may not be a provocation to us. The former is its office, especially in superiors; the latter in inferiors, and both in equals, James 3:13 . </p> <p> The excellency of such a spirit appears, if we consider that it enables us to gain a victory over corrupt nature, Proverbs 16:32; that it is a beauty and an ornament to human beings, 1 Peter 3:4; that it is obedience to God's word, and conformity to the best patterns, Ephesians 5:1-2 . Philippians 4:8 . It is productive of the highest peace to the possessor, Luke 21:19 . Matthew 11:28-29 . It fits us for any duty, instruction, relation, condition, or persecution, Philippians 4:11-12 . To obtain this spirit, consider that it is a divine injunction, Zephaniah 2:3 . Colossians 3:12 . 1 Timothy 6:11 . [[Observe]] the many examples of it; [[Jesus]] Christ, Matthew 11:28; Abraham, [[Genesis]] 13:1-18 : Genesis 16:5-6; Moses, Numb. 12: 3; David, Zeck. xiil 8. 2 Samuel 16:10; 2 Samuel 16:12 . Psalms 131:2; Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:19 . How lovely a spirit it is in itself, and how it secures us from a variety of evils. That peculiar promises are made to such, Matthew 5:5 . Is. 66: 2. That such give evidence of their being under the influence of divine grace, and shall enjoy the divine blessing, Is. 57: 15. </p> <p> See [[Henry]] on Meekness; Dunlop's Ser. vol. 2: p. 343; Evan's Ser. on the [[Christian]] Temper, ser. 29; Tillotson on 1 Peter 2:21; and on Matthew 5:44; Logan's Sermons. vol. 1: ser. 10; and Jortin's Sermons, ser. 11, vol. 3: </p> | ||
== Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_52789" /> == | == Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_52789" /> == | ||
<p> <strong> MEEKNESS. </strong> In the earlier literature of revelation meekness is simply an excellent virtue. [[Moses]] is described as ‘very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth’ ( Numbers 12:3 ), and his character illustrates the [[Hebrew]] ideal of meekness in those days. There was no weakness or cowardice about him. He was ‘a still, strong man,’ patient and pitiful. Subsequently the word acquired a peculiar significance. In the days of Israel’s conflict the men of pride and violence came to the front, while the godly were thrust into the background, contemned and oppressed (cf. Psalms 10:2; Psalms 10:8-10 ). [[Thus]] ‘rich’ and ‘wicked’ came to be synonymous ( Isaiah 53:9 ); and corresponding to these there was a group of terms: ‘meek,’ ‘humble’ (or ‘lowly’), ‘poor,’ ‘needy.’ In our Lord’s time these terms denoted the godly remnant in Israel, those who, despised by the rulers, lived devout lives in obscure corners, nourishing their faith on the Scriptures, and ‘waiting for the consolation of Israel’ ( Luke 2:25; Luke 2:38 ), the blessed [[Advent]] of the Messiah. And, just as the Psalmists and [[Prophets]] had sympathized with the Lord’s hidden ones and promised them deliverance ( Psalms 9:12; Psalms 9:18; Psalms 10:12-18; Psalms 37:11 [cf. Matthew 5:5 ] Psalms 72:2; Psalms 72:4 , Isaiah 11:4 ), so [[Jesus]] was their champion. He called them ‘blessed’ ( Matthew 5:3-12 ), and He took His place by their side, Himself ‘meek and lowly’ ( Matthew 11:29 ), the homeless [[Son]] of Man, despised and rejected of men. He shared their humility that they might share His glory. </p> <p> [[David]] Smith. </p> | <p> <strong> MEEKNESS. </strong> In the earlier literature of revelation meekness is simply an excellent virtue. [[Moses]] is described as ‘very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth’ ( Numbers 12:3 ), and his character illustrates the [[Hebrew]] ideal of meekness in those days. There was no weakness or cowardice about him. He was ‘a still, strong man,’ patient and pitiful. Subsequently the word acquired a peculiar significance. In the days of Israel’s conflict the men of pride and violence came to the front, while the godly were thrust into the background, contemned and oppressed (cf. Psalms 10:2; Psalms 10:8-10 ). [[Thus]] ‘rich’ and ‘wicked’ came to be synonymous ( Isaiah 53:9 ); and corresponding to these there was a group of terms: ‘meek,’ ‘humble’ (or ‘lowly’), ‘poor,’ ‘needy.’ In our Lord’s time these terms denoted the godly remnant in Israel, those who, despised by the rulers, lived devout lives in obscure corners, nourishing their faith on the Scriptures, and ‘waiting for the consolation of Israel’ ( Luke 2:25; Luke 2:38 ), the blessed [[Advent]] of the Messiah. And, just as the Psalmists and [[Prophets]] had sympathized with the Lord’s hidden ones and promised them deliverance ( Psalms 9:12; Psalms 9:18; Psalms 10:12-18; Psalms 37:11 [cf. Matthew 5:5 ] Psalms 72:2; Psalms 72:4 , Isaiah 11:4 ), so [[Jesus]] was their champion. He called them ‘blessed’ ( Matthew 5:3-12 ), and He took His place by their side, Himself ‘meek and lowly’ ( Matthew 11:29 ), the homeless [[Son]] of Man, despised and rejected of men. He shared their humility that they might share His glory. </p> <p> [[David]] Smith. </p> | ||
== | == Easton's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_32666" /> == | ||
James 3:13Matthew 5:5Isaiah 66:2Colossians 3:121 Timothy 6:11Zephaniah 2:3Matthew 11:29Genesis 1316:5,6Numbers 12:3Zechariah 12:82 Samuel 16:10,121 Corinthians 9:19 | |||
== King James Dictionary <ref name="term_61419" /> == | == King James Dictionary <ref name="term_61419" /> == | ||
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<references> | <references> | ||
<ref name="term_56667"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hastings-dictionary-of-the-new-testament/meekness Meekness from Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament]</ref> | |||
<ref name="term_18054"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/baker-s-evangelical-dictionary-of-biblical-theology/meekness Meekness from Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology]</ref> | <ref name="term_18054"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/baker-s-evangelical-dictionary-of-biblical-theology/meekness Meekness from Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology]</ref> | ||
<ref name="term_42404"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/holman-bible-dictionary/meekness Meekness from Holman Bible Dictionary]</ref> | |||
<ref name="term_18845"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/bridgeway-bible-dictionary/meekness Meekness from Bridgeway Bible Dictionary]</ref> | <ref name="term_18845"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/bridgeway-bible-dictionary/meekness Meekness from Bridgeway Bible Dictionary]</ref> | ||
<ref name="term_20154"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/charles-buck-theological-dictionary/meekness Meekness from Charles Buck Theological Dictionary]</ref> | <ref name="term_20154"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/charles-buck-theological-dictionary/meekness Meekness from Charles Buck Theological Dictionary]</ref> | ||
<ref name="term_52789"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hastings-dictionary-of-the-bible/meekness Meekness from Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible]</ref> | <ref name="term_52789"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hastings-dictionary-of-the-bible/meekness Meekness from Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible]</ref> | ||
<ref name=" | <ref name="term_32666"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/easton-s-bible-dictionary/meekness Meekness from Easton's Bible Dictionary]</ref> | ||
<ref name="term_61419"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/king-james-dictionary/meekness Meekness from King James Dictionary]</ref> | <ref name="term_61419"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/king-james-dictionary/meekness Meekness from King James Dictionary]</ref> | ||
