Meekness

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

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.e. 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, Ecce Homo 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.

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. ad Trall. 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.

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 Ep. Barn. xx. 2 it stands side by side with ὑπομονή (cf. Did. v. 2). In Ign. ad Trall. 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. ad Polyc. ii. 1 and vi. 2). Hermas ( Mand. 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 mansuetus , ‘one who does not cause disturbance,’ the latter as tranquillus , ‘one who bears calmly the disturbances of others’) and ( ib. XII. iii. 1) with πίστις.

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.

R. Martin Pope.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

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 asru and sanaqu  ; Aramaic nh ). What has prompted the discrepancy between the biblical and contemporary attitudes toward this virtue?

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 responses—resignation 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.

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 ).

Samuel A. Meier

See also [[Gifts Of Holy Spirit]]

Holman Bible Dictionary

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 ( anaw ) means, “wretched, impoverished, oppressed, in need, bowed over,” but came to mean, “humble, pious.”

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 ).

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 .

Warren McWilliams

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary

In the Bible, meekness is so closely linked with humility, gentleness and kindness that the reader may have difficulty distinguishing between them. Together they represent a quality of human nature that was found perfectly in Jesus Christ ( 2 Corinthians 10:1), and that is desirable in all those who follow him ( Ephesians 4:1-2).

There is nothing weak or colourless about meekness. It is the very opposite of all that is self-centred, and therefore is a quality of strength. It enables people not merely to be patient when suffering unjust criticism or persecution, but to be positively forgiving ( Colossians 3:12-13;  Titus 3:2; see Patience ). The meek do not demand revenge, but leave the matter in God’s hands ( Numbers 12:1-3;  Numbers 16:4-5;  1 Peter 2:20-23). They do not insist upon their rights, but when circumstances arise where they are forced either to defend themselves or correct opponents, they do so with gentleness ( 2 Timothy 2:25;  1 Peter 3:15).

Jesus is the perfect example of meekness. He never made a show to attract praise for himself, and never damaged the faith of even the weakest believer ( Matthew 12:19-20;  Matthew 18:5-6;  Matthew 21:5). Yet he never hesitated to denounce cruelty, pride, injustice and hypocrisy, even when it made him unpopular ( Matthew 15:7-14;  Matthew 21:12-13;  Matthew 23:13;  Matthew 23:33). He submitted to his Father and willingly served the needy around him ( Matthew 20:28;  John 5:30), and he expected others to do likewise. As the meek and gentle one, he accepted the burden of sin on behalf of repentant sinners. At the same time he demanded that they accept his lordship in their daily lives ( Matthew 11:28-30; cf.  Psalms 25:8-10).

Meekness is a characteristic of life in Christ’s kingdom ( Matthew 5:5); therefore, those who enter that kingdom must exercise meekness ( Matthew 20:25-26). They will learn to do this as the indwelling Spirit of God changes them into the likeness of Christ and produces the quality of meekness in them ( Galatians 5:22-23;  Philippians 2:3-5). (See also Humility .)

Charles Buck Theological Dictionary

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 .

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.

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:

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

MEEKNESS. 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.

David Smith.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

 James 3:13 Matthew 5:5 Isaiah 66:2 Colossians 3:12 1 Timothy 6:11 Zephaniah 2:3 Matthew 11:29 Genesis 13 16:5,6 Numbers 12:3 Zechariah 12:8 2 Samuel 16:10,12 1 Corinthians 9:19

King James Dictionary

MEE'KNESS, n. Softness of temper mildness gentleness forbearance under injuries and provocations.

1. In an evangelical sense, humility resignation submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness opposed to pride, arrogance and refractoriness.  Galatians 5

I beseech you by the meekness of Christ.  1 Corinthians 10

Meekness is a grace which Jesus alone inculcated, and which no ancient philosopher seems to have understood or recommended.

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) The quality or state of being meek.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mēk´nes ( ענוה , ‛ănāwāh  ; πραότης , praótēs , πραΰ́της , praútēs ): "Meekness" in the Old Testament ( ‛ănāwāh , ‛anwāh ) is from ‛ānāw , "suffering," "oppressed," "afflicted," denoting the spirit produced under such experiences. The word is sometimes translated "poor" (  Job 24:4 , the Revised Version margin "meek";  Amos 8:4 ); "humble" ( Psalm 9:12 ,  Psalm 9:18 , the Revised Version margin "meek"); "lowly" ( Proverbs 3:34;  Proverbs 16:19 , the Revised Version (British and American) "poor," margin "meek"). It is generally associated with some form of oppression. The "meek" were the special objects of the Divine regard, and to them special blessings are promised ( Psalm 22:26 , "The meek shall eat and be satisfied";  Psalm 25:9 , "The meek will he guide in justice; and the meek will he teach his way";  Psalm 37:11 , "The meek shall inherit the land";  Psalm 147:6 , "Yahweh upholdeth the meek";  Psalm 149:4 , "He will beautify the meek with salvation," the Revised Version margin "victory"; compare  Isaiah 11:4;  Isaiah 29:19;  Isaiah 61:1 , "Yahweh hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek," the Revised Version margin "poor";  Zephaniah 2:3;  Psalm 45:4 , "because of (the Revised Version margin "in behalf of") truth and meekness and righteousness"). Of Moses it is said he "was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth," notwithstanding the Divine revelations given him, and in the face of opposition ( Numbers 12:3; compare  2 Corinthians 12:1-6 ). Meekness is ascribed even to Yahweh Himself ( 2 Samuel 22:36 , "Thy gentleness ( ‛ănāwāh ) hath made me great"; compare  Psalm 18:36 ( ‛ănwāh ), the Revised Version margin "condescension"); men are exhorted to seek it ( Zephaniah 2:3 , "Seek righteousness, seek meekness"; compare  Proverbs 15:1;  Proverbs 16:14;  Proverbs 25:15;  Ecclesiastes 10:4 ).

In the Apocrypha also "meekness" holds a high place ( Sirach 1:27 , "The fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: faith and meekness are his delight," the Revised Version (British and American) "in faith and meekness is his good pleasure";  Sirach 3:19 , "Mysteries are revealed unto the meek" (the Revised Version (British and American) omits); compare 10:14).

"Meekness" in the New Testament ( praotēs , prautēs ) is not merely a natural virtue, but a Christian "grace"; it is one of the "fruits of the Spirit" (  Galatians 5:23 ). The conception of meekness, as it had been defined by Aristotle, was raised by Christianity to a much higher level, and associated with the commonly despised quality of humility (see under the word). It was the spirit of the Saviour Himself ( Matthew 11:29 ): "I am meek ( práos ) and lowly in heart" (compare  2 Corinthians 10:1 , "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ"); it presupposes humility, flows from it, and finds expression in moderation (see under the word). (See Trench, Syn . of New Testament , 145; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek , New Testament Lexicon , under the word) Christians are exhorted to cherish it and show it in their relations to one another ( Ephesians 4:2;  Colossians 3:12;  1 Timothy 6:11;  Titus 3:2 , "showing all meekness toward all men"); it ought to characterize Christian teachers or those in authority in "instructing (the Revised Version (British and American) "correcting," margin "instructing") them that oppose themselves" ( 2 Timothy 2:25 ); the saving, "implanted" (the Revised Version margin "inborn") word is to be received "with meekness" ( James 1:21 ); a man is to "show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom" ( James 3:13 ), and to give a reason for the hope that is in him, "with meekness and fear" ( 1 Peter 3:15 ).

The interchangeableness of "meek" with "poor," etc., in the Old Testament ought to be specially noted. our Lord's opening of His ministry at Nazareth ( Luke 4:18 , "He anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor"), and His message to John ( Matthew 11:5 , "The poor have good tidings preached to them") are in harmony therewith.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

( עִנְוָה , Πραότης ), a calm, serene temper of mind, not easily ruffled or provoked to resentment ( James 3:7-8). Where the great principles of Christianity have disciplined the soul, where the holy grace of meekness reigns, it subdues the impetuous disposition, and causes it, trusting in God, both to submit and to forgive. 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). 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 5:12;  Philippians 4:8). It is productive of the highest peace to the professor ( 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;  Genesis 16:5-6), Moses ( Numbers 12:3), David ( Zechariah 12:8;  2 Samuel 16:10;  2 Samuel 16:12;  Psalms 131:2), Paul ( 1 Corinthians 9:19). Note 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;  Isaiah 66:2); that such give evidence of their being under the influence of divine grace, and shall enjoy the divine blessing ( Isaiah 57:15). See Henry, On. Meekness ; Dunlop, Sermons , 2:434; Evans, Sermons On The Christian Temper , ser. 29; Tillotson, Sermon On  1 Peter 2:21, and On  Matthew 5:44; Logan, Sermons , vol. i, ser. 10; Jortin, Sermons , vol. iii, ser. 11.