What Does The Bible Say About Meekness?

Meekness is an important yet often misunderstood concept in Christianity. At its core, biblical meekness refers to having a gentle, humble, and servant-hearted spirit before God and others.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Biblical meekness means embracing humility, gentleness, and service to God and others from the heart, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a blessed character quality that Jesus exemplified.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the biblical meaning of meekness, key Bible verses about meekness, meekness exemplified in Jesus’s life, cultivating a meek spirit, and the blessings of meekness.

The Meaning of Meekness in the Bible

Gentleness and Humility

Meekness in the Bible refers to exhibiting gentleness, humility, and patience when dealing with others (Galatians 5:23). A meek person does not insist on their own way or become angry when offended. Rather, they are willing to yield and submit to others, while maintaining inner strength and courage (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Jesus describes meekness as inheriting the earth (Matthew 5:5). This points to the blessings that come from a spirit of humility and servanthood.

Several Bible verses illustrate meekness. Moses was described as “very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). Yet he boldly led the Israelites out of Egypt. Meekness involves a balance between strength and gentleness.

Jesus exhibited meekness in not reviling when he was mocked and beaten (1 Peter 2:23). He humbled himself and submitted to death on a cross for our salvation (Philippians 2:8).

Strength Under Control

Meekness requires inner strength and self-control. The ancient Greek word for meekness, prautes, denotes strength put to a specific purpose—in this case, to submit to God’s will and bless others. Meekness is not weakness but power under control.

It is demonstrating patience in difficult circumstances instead of anger (James 1:19-20). A meek person relies on God rather than their own wisdom (James 3:13). When challenged or offended, they do not retaliate but turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

Several Bible characters illustrate meekness as strength under control. Moses again comes to mind, as he did not strike out against those who opposed him but trusted God (Numbers 12:3). David showed restraint by not killing King Saul when he had the opportunity (1 Samuel 24:1-7).

Meekness requires tapping into God’s strength to exercise self-control.

Servanthood

Meekness leads to a spirit of servitude. Rather than selfish ambition, meekness considers others more significant and looks to their interests (Philippians 2:3-4). It fulfills the second greatest commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

A meek person lives as a servant, even if they are in a position of authority (Matthew 20:26-28).

Jesus provided the supreme example of meekness through giving his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Washing his disciples feet, normally a servant’s job, displayed his humility and willingness to serve (John 13:1-17).

Christians are instructed to clothe themselves in meekness toward one another and forgive others as God has forgiven them (Colossians 3:12-13). A spirit of meekness leads to living as servants who will inherit God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:5).

Key Bible Verses About Meekness

Zephaniah 2:3

Zephaniah 2:3 says “Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” This verse encourages being meek and humble before God. It suggests that those who do so will receive God’s protection and favor, especially in times of judgment.

Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares blessings on those who are meek. Meekness demonstrates a willingness to submit our desires to God’s will.

The meek will inherit the earth because they do not grasp for possessions or power selfishly but trust in God’s provision.

Numbers 12:3

Moses was described as “very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). As a great leader of Israel, Moses showed meekness in his willingness to follow God’s direction. His humble obedience made him an ideal leader under God’s authority.

Yet he also boldly declared God’s word to Pharaoh and the people.

1 Peter 3:4

First Peter 3:4 encourages wives to cultivate “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” This highlights the beauty of meekness which comes from an inner peace relying on God.

Such a gentle spirit does not demand its own way but trusts God to defend one’s rights in his perfect timing.

Meekness Exemplified in Jesus’s Life

Jesus Christ exemplified meekness throughout his life in remarkable ways. Though he was God incarnate, possessing all power and authority, he gently and humbly served those around him. His meekness was evident in his interactions with sinners, his endurance of persecution, and his sacrificial death on the cross.

Jesus Showed Meekness in His Interactions with Sinners

Rather than condemning sinners, Jesus gently drew them to repentance. When the Pharisees brought an adulterous woman to Jesus to see if he would condemn her, Jesus responded with grace saying, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:1-11).

His compassion led the woman to repent of her sin.

Jesus also showed surprising meekness by allowing a sinful woman to anoint his feet with perfume and her tears, even in the midst of the critical Pharisees (Luke 7:36-50). His humility in accepting this act of devotion from someone viewed as unworthy displayed Christ’s gentle heart.

Jesus Endured Persecution with Remarkable Meekness

Though innocent of any crime, Jesus willingly endured mocking, beating, and crucifixion at the hands of the Roman authorities. According to prophecy, the Messiah came “gentle and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus fulfilled this when he entered Jerusalem days before his death.

When soldiers wove a crown of thorns to mock Jesus’ kingship, he did not retaliate. Even while carrying the cross to Calvary, Jesus turned to weeping women saying, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me” (Luke 23:28).

The innocence and meekness he displayed even while being crucified astonished the Roman centurion, who concluded, “Surely this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).

Jesus’ Sacrificial Death Epitomized Meekness

The pinnacle of Jesus’ meekness shone through in his willingness to be sacrificed for the sake of humanity. Though completely undeserved, he bore the wrath of God to make atonement for sin on behalf of those who would believe (Isaiah 53:4-6).

This humble, sacrificial act brought salvation within reach of all peoples across every nation (1 John 2:2).

Jesus described his purpose by saying, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This remarkable demonstration of meekness through sacrificial death has inspired Christians for centuries to follow Christ’s example by acting in humility and service toward others.

The gentleness Jesus exemplified shows believers what it means to walk in meekness. His humility stands in stark contrast to the pride and selfishness so common in humanity. As Peter exhorted, let us be “clothed with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Cultivating a Meek Spirit

Acknowledge Your Need for God

The first step to developing meekness is recognizing your dependence on God. Pride and self-sufficiency lead us away from God, while humility draws us close to Him. As James 4:6-7 explains, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Pray each morning for God to increase your reliance on Him and decrease your dependence on yourself. Ask Him to reveal areas where you are trying to control outcomes or impress others. As you identify prideful thoughts and behaviors, confess them and purpose to walk in meekness instead.

Choose Gentleness

Meekness expresses itself through gentleness. When treated unfairly or provoked, the meek person responds with patience and kindness instead of anger. As Paul wrote in Titus 3:2, God’s people must “slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle toward everyone.”

Before reacting to difficult people or situations, pray for the Holy Spirit to cultivate His fruit of gentleness in you (Galatians 5:22-23). Ask God to give you a spirit of humility, longsuffering, mercy and compassion.

Serve Others

The meek will inherit the earth because their focus is not on demanding their own rights but on meeting the needs of others. Jesus provided the perfect model of meek servanthood by washing the disciples’ feet (John 13). Look for ways to serve your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

Offer to run errands, provide meals, help with household jobs or lend a listening ear to those going through hard times. Place others’ interests before your own (Philippians 2:3-4). As you serve in meekness, your life will be enriched and your reward in heaven promised.

The Blessings of Meekness

Inherit the Earth

Jesus teaches in the Beatitudes that the meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). This means that those who are gentle, humble, and trusting in God will receive the blessings of God’s kingdom. Though the proud and arrogant may seem to prosper for a time, ultimately the meek will receive the eternal reward.

As 1 Peter 3:4 says, “A gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God’s sight.” Some of the blessings for the meek include:

• Abundant life – Those who walk humbly with God experience His joy and peace.
• Eternal life – Meekness leads to salvation and an inheritance in God’s kingdom.
• Guidance – God guides the meek in His ways and teaches them His truth.
• Deliverance – When trials come, God delivers the meek out of trouble.
• Honor – Though humble in this life, in eternity the meek will be exalted and honored.

See God

Jesus also declares that the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). Purity of heart comes from having a humble spirit that recognizes one’s need for God’s grace. Pride and arrogance blind our spiritual eyes, but meekness allows us to see ourselves and God clearly.

As James 4:6 (ESV) states, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Some ways the meek see God include:

• Seeing God’s majesty – Recognizing God’s greatness leads to awe and worship.
• Seeing oneself – Meekness shows us our own sin and need for God.
• Seeing God’s grace – Humility helps us grasp the wonder of God’s undeserved favor.
• Seeing God’s guidance – Submitting to God’s ways allows us to perceive His leading.
• Seeing God’s heart – A humble spirit aligns our heart with God’s desires.

Find Rest

In a world of constant striving, meekness leads to spiritual rest. Jesus invites all who are weary to take His yoke upon them because He is “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Rather than struggling in our own strength, the meek acknowledge their limitations and rely on God’s power.

This allows them to find rest for their souls. Some of the rest and refreshment the meek enjoy includes:

• Freedom from proving oneself – The meek look to God for approval rather than others’ praise.
• Freedom from pretense – With humility comes authenticity, not needing to project a false image.
• Freedom from anxiety – Casting cares on God brings peace and dissipates anxiety.
• Freedom from drivenness – Meekness delivers us from constant striving and hyperactivity.
• Freedom to enjoy God’s gifts – With less fixation on self, the meek can delight in God’s blessings.

Studies show that humble people report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being. One reason is that meekness frees us from the rat race of pride and puts the focus on enjoying relationship with God and others.

As Psalm 37:11 (NIV) says, “The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, meekness is a blessed character quality centered on gentleness, humility, and service to God and others. While the meek may appear quiet and unassuming, they demonstrate inner strength and faith as they rely on God.

Jesus perfectly epitomized meekness throughout His life and ministry on earth. As we seek to become more Christlike, we must actively cultivate meekness through the power of the Holy Spirit. The blessings of meekness are great—the meek will inherit the earth, see God, and find rest for their souls.