What was Meek?

“Meek” is not a person or a place, but a spiritual characteristic highly valued in Scripture and exemplified by Jesus Christ. The term appears in various parts of the Bible, including Matthew 21:5, which quotes Zechariah 9:9 and describes Jesus entering Jerusalem: “See, your king comes to you, gentle [meek] and riding on a donkey…” (NIV). In Greek, the word translated as “meek” is πραΰς (praus), meaning “gentle, mild, humble, or submissive.” It denotes strength under control—not weakness, but power restrained in reverence toward God and in kindness toward others.

In Hebrew, the Old Testament equivalent is עָנָו (‘anav), often translated as “humble” or “afflicted.” This term appears in passages like Psalm 37:11, which Jesus later references in Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Matthew 21:5 – Jesus enters Jerusalem “gentle [meek] and riding on a donkey.”

• Zechariah 9:9 – The prophecy being fulfilled in Matthew 21.

• Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

• Psalm 37:11 – “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.”

• Numbers 12:3 – Moses is described as “very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.”

• Galatians 5:23 – Gentleness (meekness) is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.

• 1 Peter 3:4 – Meekness is praised as an adornment of a godly spirit.

What Happened in the Bible?

In Matthew 21:1-11, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. This symbolic act was a declaration of His kingship, but unlike worldly rulers who come in power and war, Jesus came meek—gentle, humble, and bringing peace. Instead of riding a warhorse, He chose a donkey, an animal associated with service and humility.

This public act was not just a declaration of His identity but a demonstration of His character. Jesus, though the Son of God with all authority, chose meekness to show that His kingdom is not of this world. His triumph would not come through violence, but through sacrifice and submission to the will of the Father—even to death on a cross.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

For believers today, meekness is not optional—it is essential. Contrary to cultural ideals that exalt self-assertion and dominance, the Bible praises those who are meek before God and man. Meekness means trusting God‘s justice rather than retaliating or promoting oneself. It reflects a heart that has been shaped by grace.

Christians are called to imitate Christ’s meekness in how they respond to opposition, handle authority, and treat others. It is through meekness that believers demonstrate the power of the Spirit, not by lashing out but by submitting their strength to God’s purposes.

How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jesus is the perfect embodiment of meekness. Philippians 2:6–8 shows that though He was in very nature God, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. His meekness is what brought salvation to sinners. In His first coming, He did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17), through humility and gentleness.

The gospel calls all people to lay down their pride and receive Christ with a meek heart. Meekness is both the posture of the Savior and the required response of the sinner. Those who come to Christ must do so with humility, admitting their need. And those who follow Christ must reflect His gentleness in a harsh world.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Favor Upon the Humble

Throughout Scripture, God exalts the lowly and opposes the proud (James 4:6; Isaiah 66:2). Meekness is closely related to humility, which is the soil in which God’s grace grows.

2. The Upside-Down Kingdom

Jesus‘ teaching on meekness (Matthew 5:5) highlights the reversal of worldly values in the kingdom of God. Those the world deems insignificant—if meek—are heirs of eternal inheritance.

3. Strength Under Control

Meekness is not passivity or cowardice. Like Moses and Jesus, the meek can lead and confront when needed, but they do so in God’s power, not in personal pride or anger.

4. Sanctification and the Spirit

Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), produced in believers as they grow in Christlikeness. It marks the mature Christian life.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I view meekness as weakness or as strength under God’s control?

2. How can I imitate the meekness of Christ in my relationships and leadership?

3. In what areas of my life do I need to trust God more and respond less with self-defense or pride?

4. How does Christ’s gentle entry into Jerusalem shape my understanding of true greatness?

5. What would it look like for me to inherit the earth not by striving, but by surrendering to God’s will?

Meekness is not simply a virtue among many—it is a defining quality of those who belong to Jesus. He came not in fury but in gentleness, and He calls His people to walk in the same way. In a world that values pride and power, the meek shine as lights of grace and strength submitted to God.