Matthew 5:5 - Meekness and Inheriting the Earth
Matthew 5:5, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, states, "Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth" [1]. This beatitude presents a counter-intuitive promise, linking a disposition of gentleness and humility with a profound reward.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus' foundational teaching on the nature of discipleship and the ethics of the kingdom of heaven. It begins with the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), a series of pronouncements that declare blessing upon those who embody certain spiritual and moral qualities, often those considered undesirable or weak by worldly standards. The Beatitudes collectively describe the character of those who belong to God's kingdom [5].
The term "meek" (Greek: praeis) describes a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked [3]. It signifies a gentle and lowly carriage, closely allied with being "poor in spirit" and "mourners" as described in the preceding Beatitudes [5]. John Gill defines the meek as those who are not easily angered, patiently endure injuries, treat others courteously, hold humble opinions of themselves, and submit quietly to God's will [6]. This quality is contrasted with anger, which is forbidden and considered a work of the flesh [4]. Meekness is also identified as a fruit of the Spirit [2].
The promise that the meek "will inherit the earth" directly echoes Psalm 37:11, which states, "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace" [5, 8]. Jesus' use of this Old Testament passage indicates a continuity between the promises of God in the Hebrew Scriptures and the new covenant inaugurated by Christ [7]. The concept of inheriting the earth or land has deep roots in Israelite tradition, particularly God's promise of land to Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 12:7 and 17:8 [7]. This promise was central to Israel's identity and their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness [11].
Interpretations of "inherit the earth" vary. One perspective suggests a literal, future inheritance of the physical world, perhaps in a renewed creation or during Christ's millennial reign [7, 8]. This aligns with the idea of God's reign over the entire earth (Matthew 19:28; 28:18-20; Psalm 115:16) [7]. Another view understands "the earth" (Greek: gē) as referring to "the land," specifically the land of Israel, connecting it to the Abrahamic covenant and the restoration of God's people [7]. However, the broader context of the Beatitudes, which speak to universal spiritual principles, suggests that the promise extends beyond a purely geographical or nationalistic interpretation.
The meekness described in Matthew 5:5 is not weakness or passivity. It is an active disposition exemplified by Christ himself. Jesus describes himself as "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29) [2, 3, 7]. His meekness is further demonstrated in his actions, such as shunning pride (Matthew 12:17-21; 21:5) and enduring his death on the cross without retaliation (1 Peter 2:23; 3:9) [7]. Other biblical figures also exemplify meekness, including Abraham (Genesis 13; 16:5, 6), Moses (Numbers 12:3), David (2 Samuel 16:10, 12), and Paul (1 Corinthians 9:19) [3].
The cultivation of meekness is enjoined upon believers. Christians are called to seek meekness (Zephaniah 2:3), to "put on" meekness (Colossians 3:12-13), to receive the word of God with meekness (James 1:21), and to exhibit it in their conduct (James 3:13) [2, 3]. It is also essential for ministers, who are to follow after meekness (1 Timothy 6:11), instruct opponents with it (2 Timothy 2:24-25), and urge it upon their people (Titus 3:1-2) [2]. The apostle Peter highlights meekness as precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4) [2].
The promise of inheriting the earth for the meek stands in stark contrast to worldly values, where power, aggression, and self-assertion are often seen as pathways to success and possession. Instead, Jesus elevates humility and gentleness as the means by which God's people will ultimately receive their inheritance. This inheritance is not merely a future hope but also a present reality, as the meek find peace and contentment in their submission to God's will, regardless of their earthly circumstances [8]. The prophet Isaiah, in a passage condemning the eagerness for worldly possessions, highlights the dangers of covetousness and the accumulation of property, which stands in opposition to the spirit of meekness [9, 10].
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 5:5 (LEB) — Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth.”
- 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”
- 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: Anger — Forbidden -- Ec 7:9; Mt 5:22; Ro 12:19. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. A characteristic of fools -- Pr 12:16; 14:29; 27:3; Ec 7:9. Connected with Pride. -- Pr 21:24. Cruelty. -- Ge 49:7; Pr 27:3,4. Clamour and evil-speaking. -- Eph 4:31. Malice and blasphemy. -- Col 3:8. Strife and contention. -- Pr 21:19; 29:22; 30:33. Brings its own punishment -- Job 5:2; Pr 19:19; 25:28. Grievous words stir up -- Jdj 12:4; 2Sa 19:43; Pr 15:1. Should not betray us into sin -- Ps 37:8; Eph 4:26. In prayer be free from -- 1Ti 2:8. May be averted by wisdom -- Pr 29:8. Meeknes”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth--This promise to the meek is but a repetition of Psa 37:11; only the word which our Evangelist renders "the meek," after the Septuagint, is the same which we have found so often translated "the poor," showing how closely allied these two features of character are. It is impossible, indeed, that "the poor in spirit" and "the mourners" in Zion should not at the same time be "meek"; that is to say, persons of a lowly and gentle carriage. How fitting, at least, it is that they should be so, may be seen”
- 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,”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:5: 5:5 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 (Matt 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). • The whole earth could also be rendered the land, thus referring to God’s promise of land to Abraham and his descendants (Gen 12:7; 17:8; see Isa 60:21). A wider sense may also be intended, such as God’s reign over the entire earth (Matt 19:28; 28:18-20; Ps 115:16).”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 37:10: But the meek shall inherit the earth,.... See Gill on Psa 37:9; of this character See Gill on Psa 22:26. Our Lord seems to refer to this passage in Mat 5:5; and shall delight themselves is the abundance of peace; of spiritual peace enjoyed in a way of believing, arising from a comfortable view of interest in the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ; and of all happiness and prosperity in the kingdom of Christ here on earth, at which time there will be abundance of peace, Psa 72:7; or of eternal peace in the world to come, which will be a state of uninterru”
- Isaiah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Isaiah 5:8: The world and the flesh are the two great enemies that we are in danger of being overpowered by; yet we are in no danger if we do not ourselves yield to them. Eagerness of the world, and indulgence of the flesh, are the two sins against which the prophet, in God's name, here denounces woes. These were sins which then abounded among the men of Judah, some of the wild grapes they brought forth (Isa 5:4), and for which God threatens to bring ruin upon them. They are sins which we have all need to stand upon our guard against and dread the consequences of. I. Here is a”
- Isaiah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Isaiah 5 (introduction): In this chapter the prophet, in God's name, shows the people of God their transgressions, even the house of Jacob their sins, and the judgments which were likely to be brought upon them for their sins, I. By a parable, under the similitude of an unfruitful vineyard, representing the great favours God had bestowed upon them, their disappointing his expectations from them, and the ruin they had thereby deserved (Isa 5:1-7). II. By an enumeration of the sins that did abound among them, with a threatening of punishments that should answer to the sins. 1. C”
- Lamentations (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Lamentations 5:2: Our inheritance--"Thine inheritance" (Psa 79:1). The land given of old to us by Thy gift.”