Biblical Definition and Meaning of Meekness
Biblical Definition and Meaning of Meekness
The Greek word πραότης (praotēs) is translated as "meekness" in the New Testament. This term appears in several key passages, including Matthew 5:5, Galatians 5:23, and 2 Corinthians 10:1 [1, 2, 4].
Meekness is characterized by a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked to anger. It involves humility, lowliness of mind, and patience in the face of adversity or injury [1, 7]. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, meekness is exemplified in biblical figures such as Christ, Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul [1].
The biblical concept of meekness is not equivalent to weakness or timidity. Rather, it is a strength under control, demonstrated by Christ's gentle yet firm response to his opponents [2, 4]. In 2 Corinthians 10:1, Paul appeals to the Corinthians "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ," illustrating that meekness is a characteristic of Christ's nature [4].
Meekness is considered a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is closely related to other virtues such as humility, patience, and self-control [5, 10]. Adam Clarke notes that meekness involves "mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, patient suffering of injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge" [10].
The biblical writers emphasize the importance of cultivating meekness. In Colossians 3:12, believers are exhorted to "put on... meekness" as a characteristic of their new life in Christ [1]. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 2:25, ministers are instructed to instruct their opponents "in meekness" [3, 6].
Meekness is not only a personal virtue but also a key aspect of Christian ministry. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, meekness is essential for ministers, who should "instruct opposers with meekness" and "follow after" meekness [2].
The biblical concept of meekness has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note that meekness involves "accepting God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting" and "accepting patiently the injuries done us by men" [7]. John Gill emphasizes that meekness involves "having mean thoughts of oneself" and "walking humbly with God" [8, 12].
In the context of interpersonal relationships, meekness involves forbearance and patience. Ephesians 4:2 exhorts believers to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" [7, 9].
The biblical emphasis on meekness reflects its importance in the life of the believer and the community of faith. As Matthew Henry notes, meekness is a mark of wisdom, while unbridled passion is a sign of folly [11].
The New Testament writers draw on the Old Testament concept of meekness, which is associated with humility and dependence on God. In Psalm 37:11, the meek are promised that they will inherit the land [1].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Meekness — A calm temper of mind, not easily provoked (James 3:13). Peculiar promises are made to the meek (Matt. 5:5; Isa. 66:2). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt. 11:29), Abraham (Gen. 13; 16:5, 6) Moses (Num. 12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10, 12), and Paul (1 Cor. 9:19).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Timothy 2:25 — In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
- 2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 10:1 (NASB) — Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!”
- King James Version “[KJV] Galatians 5:23 — Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 2:25 (KJV) — In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:2: lowliness--In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [TRENCH]. meekness--that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the chastening and purifying of His people (Sa2 16:11; compare Ga”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek,.... Who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable. The Jews, though a proud,”
- Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 4:2: With all lowliness - It is by acting as the apostle here directs that a man walks worthy of this high vocation; ταπεινοφροσυνη signifies subjection or humility of mind. Meekness - The opposite to anger and irritability of disposition. Long-suffering - Μακροθυμια· Long-mindedness - never permitting a trial or provocation to get to the end of your patience. Forbearing one another - Ανεχομενοι αλληλων· Sustaining one another - helping to support each other in all the miseries and trials of life: or, if the word be taken in the sense of bearing with each other, it may”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 5:23: Meekness - Πραοτης· Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, patient suffering of injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the entire opposite to anger. Temperance - Εγκρατεια· Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally with regard to sensual or animal appetites. Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Several very respectable MSS., as D*EFG, with the Vulgate, most copies of the Itala and several of the fathers, add ἁγνεια, chastity. This we are sure cannot be separated from the genuin”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 14:29: Note, 1. Meekness is wisdom. He rightly understands himself, and his duty and interest, the infirmities of human nature, and the constitution of human society, who is slow to anger, and knows how to excuse the faults of others as well as his own, how to adjourn his resentments, and moderate them, so as by no provocation to be put out of the possession of his own soul. A mild patient man is really to be accounted an intelligent man, one that learns of Christ, who is Wisdom itself. 2. Unbridled passion is folly proclaimed: He that is hasty of spirit, whose heart ”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:22: Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking”