Meek

Greek Word Pronunciation: prah-OOCE
Strong’s Number: 4239
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4558
Key Verse: “… Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth …” -- Matthew 5:5

The secular usage of praus was: to tame wild animals; to calm those that are irritated or excited; used for quiet and friendly composure which does not become embittered or angry at which is unpleasant. It was applied to inanimate things, as light, wind, sound, sickness. Comparatively, the Christian word describes an inward quality, and that as related primarily to God. To the pagan, the word often implied condescension; to the Christian, it implies submission.

In the Septuagint, it is never used of God. The root of the word lies in the Old Testament basic meaning of “poor and afflicted” from which the spiritual quality of patient submission and humility is derived. It appears in Psalm 37:11 (the meek will inherit the earth); Zechariah 9:9 (your king is coming ... endowed with salvation, meek); and Numbers 12:3 (the man Moses was very meek).

The KJV consistently translates praus as meek, whereas NASB and NIV usually use gentle or humble. Praus refers to an inward attitude (whereas gentleness, a different Greek word, is expressed in outward action). It is part of the fruit of Christlike character produced only by the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:23. In Matthew 21:5 (the fulfilled prophecy of Zechariah 9:9), the entry of Jesus is depicted as that of non-violent King of salvation and peace. In Galatians 6:1, meekness enables the Christian to correct the erring brother without impatience or anger. In Colossians 3:12, it is one of the gifts of election, and in Ephesians 4:2, it is one of the gifts of calling. In James 1:21, it refers to meek and humble readiness to be taught by the Word of God without flaring up against the teacher. The term commonly used in English suggests weakness, where meekness describes condition of mind and heart. The meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. He was meek because He had infinite resources of God at His command.

In MATTHEW 5:5, the reference is to those who are of a quiet, gentle spirit, in opposition to the arrogant Scribes and Pharisees and their disciples. It is the heavenly land, the Messiah’s kingdom, that is inherited by the meek.