MEEKNESS (עֲנָוָה, H6708; πρᾳότης, πρᾳῦτης).
1. Meaning of meekness. Meekness is one of the most commonly misunderstood terms applied to godliness. It has been interpreted in a variety of ways, from weakness and timidity to strength and self-control. The Heb. עֲנָוָה, H6708, tr. “meekness,” is from anwah, “to bend over,” “to bow down,” “to labor or toil,” “to bend down,” “to be low, depressed or humble.” Other derived meanings, and those more nearly meeting the demands of the various uses, are humility, piety, gentleness or condescension. These are comprehensive enough to apply to God and to various Bible characters, as Moses, Jesus, and Paul. While humility and piety are human qualities only, gentleness and condescension may be both human and divine. “Thy help (gentleness) made me great” (2 Sam 22:36; Ps 18:35). Other shades of meaning are poverty, sickness, affliction, and oppression. These, however, are not synonyms, but may contribute to a spirit of meekness.
2. Merits of meekness. The meek are specially blessed with divine care and rich rewards. In recording God’s rebuke of Miriam and Aaron for speaking against Moses, the writer states, “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all men that were on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3). David cried, “O Lord, thou wilt hear the desire of the meek” (Ps 10:17). Isaiah prophesied that the messianic King would “decide with equity for the meek of the earth,” and then “The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord” (Isa 11:4; 29:19). David offered the oppressed people encouragement by saying that the wicked would soon disappear, “But the meek shall possess the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity” (Ps 37:11). The land David referred to was Pal., but Jesus promised greater possessions: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5). The meek then have access to God’s constant protection and boundless love.
3. Virtues of meekness. Meekness (praótes) in the NT is a natural virtue, a Christian grace, and one of the “fruits of the spirit” (Gal 5:23). Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle (meek) and lowly in heart” (Matt 11:29). Paul said, “I...entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble” (2 Cor 10:1). Paul not only extolled and emulated this virtue of Christ, but commended it to his churches. “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness...” (Eph 4:1f.). He admonished the Colossians to put on the graces of “compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience...” (Col 3:12). Likewise he commends it to Timothy and to Titus (1 Tim 6:11; Titus 3:2). James instructs Christians to “receive with meekness the implanted word” (Jas 1:21); and recommends to the wise and understanding that “By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (3:13). Peter wrote that all Christians should always be prepared to make a defense of their hope “with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet 3:15).
Bibliography Davies-Mitchell, Student’s Hebrew Lexicon (1960), 480f.; W. T. Purkiser, Exploring Our Christian Faith (1960), 178, 437-440; 462-465; G. Gordh, Christian Faith and Its Cultural Expression (1962), 119-123; Mould-Richardson-Berkey, Essentials of Bible History (1966), 122, 150f., 337, 516, 682ff.