Who Are the Meek? Unpacking the Third Beatitude in a Bold World

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5

This beatitude, nestled in the heart of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, has stirred centuries of reflection, debate, and even discomfort. In a world that celebrates dominance, ambition, and assertiveness, the idea that the meek — often misunderstood as weak or passive — will inherit the earth seems paradoxical. So, who are the meek? And how do we reconcile this divine promise with the world’s relentless pursuit of power?

The Greek word translated as “meek” is praus, which was used to describe a wild animal that had been tamed — still powerful, but under control. Biblical meekness is not weakness. It’s a posture of humility, gentleness, and trust in God’s sovereignty. Meek individuals are not pushovers; they are those who choose restraint over retaliation, peace over pride, and faith over force.

Key traits of biblical meekness:

• Trust in God rather than self-assertion
• Patience in adversity without bitterness
• Strength channeled through humility
• Willingness to submit to God’s will

Over the centuries, theologians and commentators have offered rich interpretations of this beatitude:

• Matthew Henry emphasized that the meek are joyful even in suffering, trusting God’s provision.
• John Gill noted that meekness involves non-retaliation and contentment with God’s gifts.
• Dr. Michael Milton argued that meekness is paradoxically powerful — it reflects total surrender to God, which is the true source of strength.
• Catholic tradition, as seen in St. Jerome’s commentary, links meekness with heavenly inheritance, not just earthly reward.

These interpretations consistently affirm that meekness is not passivity but spiritual maturity — a quiet confidence rooted in divine trust. By contrtast, detractors often view meekness as incompatible with success. Nietzsche famously criticized Christianity for promoting meekness, which he saw as stifling human potential. In modern culture, meekness is often conflated with weakness, leading to skepticism about its value.

Yet these critiques often stem from a misunderstanding. Meekness doesn’t mean silence in the face of evil — it means responding with grace, not aggression. Jesus himself, described as “meek and lowly,” boldly confronted injustice, flipped tables in the temple, and challenged corrupt systems.

So how do we reconcile “meek shall inherit the earth” with the world’s mantra of “only the strong survive” Meekness is a different kind of strength. It’s the strength to:

• Resist the urge to dominate
• Forgive when wronged
• Serve rather than be served
• Trust God’s timing over self-promotion

In fact, meekness often requires more courage than aggression. It’s easier to lash out than to hold back. Easier to assert than to surrender. But the meek — those who walk in quiet confidence and spiritual resilience — are promised not just survival, but inheritance.

In Psalm 37:11 we read, “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” This inheritance is both present and future — a life of peace, purpose, and ultimately, participation in God’s kingdom. It’s not about land ownership or worldly power. It’s about living in harmony with God’s creation, stewarding it with humility, and receiving the fullness of life that comes from walking in His ways.

Jesus’ beatitude flips the script on worldly values. The meek — not the loudest, richest, or most powerful — are the ones who will inherit what truly matters. In a world that prizes boldness, meekness is a radical, countercultural virtue. It’s not weakness. It’s wisdom. And it’s the way of Christ.

So perhaps the question isn’t whether meekness can survive in a bold world — but whether boldness without meekness can truly thrive. If you would like to know the meekness that brings about an eternal inheritance, read our post: How does one become a Christian?

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