Meekness
Summary
Meekness is the Christian virtue of humble submission to God and gentle forbearance toward others, exemplified supremely in Jesus Christ.
☩Biblical Definition
In Scripture, meekness (Hebrew anawah, Greek praotes) is far removed from the popular misconception of weakness or timidity. The Hebrew term is associated with the poor and afflicted who accept their sufferings without murmuring, yielding themselves in trust and hope to God's will. In the Beatitudes, 'the meek' refers to this class of humble, uncomplaining, God-fearing people. True meekness is a robust and victorious quality—the spirit of one who is not easily provoked but keeps under control the natural instinct to assert oneself and retaliate.
☩Meekness Toward God
Primarily, meekness is a disposition toward God: the humble submission to the Divine will and the quiet acceptance of life's discipline as coming from One who directs all things in infinite wisdom and love. It has its root in humble, childlike faith. The meek soul bows without complaint before God's providences, not because it is too callous to feel pain or too spiritless to protest, but because it bends in lowly trust before the unsearchable wisdom and love of God. This attitude brings the blessing of peace and rest to the soul amid outward hardships.
☩Meekness Toward Others
From humble submission to God flows gentle forbearance toward others. Meekness enables one to govern anger when provoked and patiently bear the anger of others. It is the opposite of irascibility and the spirit of revenge, teaching us to forgive wrongs rather than retaliate. This virtue characterized Abraham in yielding to Lot, Isaac in yielding wells to the Philistines, Moses in bearing Israel's complaints, and David in enduring Shimei's curses. Christians are exhorted to show meekness in correcting opponents, receiving the implanted word, and answering those who question their hope.
☩Christ's Example
Jesus Christ is the supreme example of meekness. He described Himself as 'meek and lowly in heart' and invited the weary to take His yoke and find rest. Paul appealed to his readers 'by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.' Christ's meekness was not passive or weak—the agony in Gethsemane and His prayer 'Not my will but thine be done' reveal meekness as a victory of strong will over personal desires that conflict with God's purpose. His endurance of unmerited suffering without resentment demonstrates that true meekness requires moral vigor, not feebleness.
Related Verses96 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Meekness," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Meekness," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).