| Easton's Bible Dictionary A calm temper of mind, not easily provoked (James 3:13). Peculiar promises are made to the meek (Matthew 5:5; Isaiah 66:2). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; Zephaniah 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matthew 11:29), Abraham (Genesis 13; 16:5, 6) Moses (Numbers 12:3), David (Zechariah 12:8; 2 Samuel 16:10, 12), and Paul (1 Corinthians 9:19). Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being meek. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEEKNESS mek'-nes (`anawah; praotes, prautes): "Meekness" in the Old Testament (`anawah, `anwah) is from `anaw, "suffering," "oppressed," "afflicted," denoting the spirit produced under such experiences. The word is sometimes translated "poor" (Job 24:4, the Revised Version margin "meek"; Amos 8:4); "humble" (Psalm 9:12, 18, the Revised Version margin "meek"); "lowly" (Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 16:19, the Revised Version (British and American) "poor," margin "meek"). It is generally associated with some form of oppression. The "meek" were the special objects of the Divine regard, and to them special blessings are promised (Psalm 22:26, "The meek shall eat and be satisfied"; 25:9, "The meek will he guide in justice; and the meek will he teach his way"; 37:11, "The meek shall inherit the land"; 147:6, "Yahweh upholdeth the meek"; 149:4, "He will beautify the meek with salvation," the Revised Version margin "victory"; compare Isaiah 11:4; 29:19:00; 61:1, "Yahweh hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek," the Revised Version margin "poor"; Zechariah 2:3; Psalm 45:4, "because of (the Revised Version margin "in behalf of") truth and meekness and righteousness"). Of Moses it is said he "was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth," notwithstanding the Divine revelations given him, and in the face of opposition (Numbers 12:3; compare 2 Corinthians 12:1-6). Meekness is ascribed even to Yahweh Himself (2 Samuel 22:36, "Thy gentleness (`anawah) hath made me great"; compare Psalm 18:36 (`anwah), the Revised Version margin "condescension"); men are exhorted to seek it (Zechariah 2:3, "Seek righteousness, seek meekness"; compare Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 16:14; Proverbs 25:15 Ecclesiastes 10:4).
In the Apocrypha also "meekness" holds a high place (Ecclesiasticus 1:27, "The fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: faith and meekness are his delight," the Revised Version (British and American) "in faith and meekness is his good pleasure"; Ecclesiasticus 3:19, "Mysteries are revealed unto the meek" (the Revised Version (British and American) omits); compare 10:14).
"Meekness" in the New Testament (praotes, prautes) is not merely a natural virtue, but a Christian "grace"; it is one of the "fruits of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:23). The conception of meekness, as it had been defined by Aristotle, was raised by Christianity to a much higher level, and associated with the commonly despised quality of humility (see under the word). It was the spirit of the Saviour Himself (Matthew 11:29): "I am meek (praos) and lowly in heart" (compare 2 Corinthians 10:1, "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ"); it presupposes humility, flows from it, and finds expression in moderation (see under the word). (See Trench, Syn. of New Testament, 145; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek, New Testament Lexicon, under the word) Christians are exhorted to cherish it and show it in their relations to one another (Ephesians 4:2 Colossians 3:12 1 Timothy 6:11 Titus 3:2, "showing all meekness toward all men"); it ought to characterize Christian teachers or those in authority in "instructing (the Revised Version (British and American) "correcting," margin "instructing") them that oppose themselves" (2 Timothy 2:25); the saving, "implanted" (the Revised Version margin "inborn") word is to be received "with meekness" (James 1:21); a man is to "show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13), and to give a reason for the hope that is in him, "with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).
The interchangeableness of "meek" with "poor," etc., in the Old Testament ought to be specially noted. our Lord's opening of His ministry at Nazareth (Luke 4:18, "He anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor"), and His message to John (Matthew 11:5, "The poor have good tidings preached to them") are in harmony therewith.
W. L. Walker |  | Multi-Version Concordance Meekness (14 Occurrences) 1 Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? (KJV DBY WBS YLT) 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT) Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (KJV WEY DBY WBS YLT) Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV) Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV) 1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT) 2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT) Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT) James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV) James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV) 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT) Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS) Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger. (KJV ASV DBY WBS) |
