Blessed are the MEEK

[tonychanyt]

After John the Baptizer was imprisoned, Jesus spoke about being meek, Literal Standard Version, Matthew 11:

29 take up My yoke on you, and learn from Me, because I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest to your souls,

Strong's Greek: 4239. πραΰς (praus) — 4 Occurrences

HELPS Word-studies:

This difficult-to-translate root (pra-) means more than "meek." Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness.

BDAG πραΰς:

not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, gentle, humble, considerate

The King of the triumphal entry was meek, Matthew 21:

5 Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King comes to you, meek, and mounted on a donkey, and a colt, a foal of a beast of burden.”

Wives should behave meekly, NIV, 1 Peter 3:

1 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands ... 4 it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle [meek] and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Everyone should behave meekly, NIV, Matthew 5:

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Meekness is accomplished with a sense of peace and not fear.

 

[AlexB23]

After John the Baptizer was imprisoned, Jesus spoke about being meek, Literal Standard Version, Matthew 11:


Strong's Greek: 4239. πραΰς (praus) — 4 Occurrences

HELPS Word-studies:


BDAG πραΰς:


The King of the triumphal entry was meek, Matthew 21:


Wives should behave meekly, NIV, 1 Peter 3:


Everyone should behave meekly, NIV, Matthew 5:


Meekness is accomplished with a sense of peace and not fear.

Made a study a month ago, about this very topic.

Date	April 27, 2024
Verse	Colossians 3:12 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience " Matthew 5:5 (ESV): "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Explanation	Both Colossians 3:12 and Matthew 5:5 emphasize the importance of humility, meekness, and other virtues in our daily lives as followers of God. Colossians 3:12 calls us to put on the character of God's chosen ones, which includes having compassionate hearts, being kind, humble, meek, and patient. This means that as believers, we are to reflect the qualities of God in our interactions with others. In a self-centered world that prioritizes personal gain, these verses challenge us to put the needs and well-being of others before our own. It's easy to get lost in our own desires and ambitions, but Colossians reminds us that as God's chosen ones, we are called to be different. We are called to love others with the same compassion and kindness that God has shown us. Matthew 5:5, on the other hand, speaks of the blessedness of being meek. Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness or timidity, but it is actually a strength that comes from humility and a deep awareness of our dependence on God. Meekness allows us to receive the blessings of God, including the inheritance of the earth. In a world that values power and personal gain above all else, it can be difficult to embrace meekness. But Matthew 5:5 reminds us that those who are meek will be blessed and rewarded spiritually.
Societal Relevance	Both of these verses challenge us to live counter-culturally in a self-centered world. They call us to put the needs and well-being of others before our own, to be humble and meek in our interactions with others, and to trust that God will reward us for living according to His values. By embracing these virtues, we can make a positive impact on the world around us and bring glory to God. Here are some steps to begin journeying to humbleness: 1. Humility is a choice to put the needs and interests of others before our own. In the modern world, we can practice humility by volunteering in our community, serving those in need, or simply listening actively and empathetically to others 2. Humility also means recognizing our limitations and weaknesses. We can humble ourselves by acknowledging when we are wrong, seeking forgiveness, and working to improve ourselves. 3. Social media can be a double-edged sword for humility. While it offers opportunities to connect with others and serve, it can also fuel comparison and pride. Practicing humility online might look like unfollowing accounts that make us feel inadequate or using social media to uplift and encourage others. 4. Humility is a posture of openness and teachability. In the workplace, we can humble ourselves by seeking feedback from our colleagues and supervisors, admitting when we don't know something, and being willing to learn from others. Before clocking in, remember Colossians 3:12. 5. Finally, humility is about recognizing our dependence on God. We can humble ourselves by praying regularly, reading Scripture, and seeking to live in obedience to His will. By acknowledging our need for God's grace and mercy, we can cultivate a humble heart that reflects His love and compassion to others.

 

[FireDragon76]

When this word is used in other ancient Greek texts, it's used to refer to an animal that is harmless, not aggressive or venemous (but not tame, necessarily). So maybe even "harmless" might be an appropriate translation.

Nietzsche believed Jesus and early Christians were "idiots". He meant somebody that was simple, a dreamer, naive.. I think this has a grain of truth. So you can see what he detested: the Christian view that being inoffensive and gentle was virtuous. You can see that kind of virtue in the lives of people like the St. Francis of Assisi, the Anabaptists, the Quakers, the Shakers, Fred Rogers (the TV personality who did shows for kids on public television), etc. It's not servile humility, though, Nietzsche was wrong. It's somebody that sees into another world, better and more beautiful than this one, and wants to live in that world, in this life. Such is the stuff of great artists and poets, as well as idealists and mystics.