What does “blessed are the meek” mean?

Response

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins with a series of statements known as the Beatitudes. The third Beatitude is “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” « Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. », (Matthew 5:5). Jesus’ words echo Psalm 37:11, which says, “The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” What does it mean that the meek are “blessed”?

First, we must understand what it means to be blessed. The Greek word translated “blessed” in this verse can also be translated as “happy.” The idea is that a person will experience joy if he or she is meek. The blessedness is from God’s perspective, not our own. It is a spiritual prosperity, not necessarily earthly happiness.

Also, we must comprehend what “meek” means. The Greek word translated as “meek” is praeis and refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit, or humility. Other forms of this Greek word are used elsewhere in the New Testament, including James 1:21 and James 3:13. Meekness is humility towards God and towards others. It is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else. Paul urged meekness when he told us “to live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2).

Meekness exemplifies the humility of Jesus Christ. As Philippians 2:6–8 states, “[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Being “in the

By the very nature of being God,” Jesus had the authority to do as He pleased, but, for our benefit, He willingly submitted to “death on a cross.” This exemplifies the utmost in meekness.

Meekness was also exemplified by righteous leaders in the Old Testament. Numbers 12:3 states that Moses “was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (ESV).

Believers are urged to proclaim the gospel message with gentleness and meekness. First Peter 3:15 advises, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The KJV interprets the term “gentleness” here as “meekness.”

An individual who has a personal relationship with Christ as their Savior will be progressing in meekness. It may appear paradoxical, but Jesus’ assurance holds true—a meek individual will find happiness or blessedness. Living with humility and being ready to relinquish one’s rights for the sake of others mirrors the mindset of Jesus Christ. Meekness also enables us to more effectively communicate the gospel message with others. Striving for power and status is not the way to blessedness. Meekness is.