Definition:
In the Bible, meek means having strength under control. It describes a humble, gentle, and patient spirit that trusts God rather than reacting with anger or pride. Biblical meekness is not weakness it is power guided by humility and faith.
Have you ever heard someone say, Blessed are the meek and wondered what that really means? Many people think meek means shy, quiet, or weak. But in the Bible, meekness is something far deeper and stronger.
Understanding what meek means in the Bible can completely change how you view humility, strength, and leadership. In fact, some of the strongest figures in Scripture are described as meek.
Let’s explore the true biblical meaning of meekness, where it comes from, how it’s used, and why it still matters today.
The Biblical Meaning of Meek
When we ask what does meek mean in the Bible, we need to look at both the Old and New Testaments.
In Scripture, meekness means:
- Humility before God
- Gentleness toward others
- Patience in difficult situations
- Strength that is controlled, not explosive
- Trust in God’s timing and justice
One of the most famous verses about meekness comes from Gospel of Matthew 5:5:
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
This statement was spoken by Jesus Christ during the Sermon on the Mount. Here, meekness is described as a blessing not a flaw.
Another powerful example is found in Book of Numbers 12:3, which says that Moses was very meek, more than all people on the face of the earth.
Now think about that: Moses confronted Pharaoh, led Israel out of Egypt, and delivered God’s law. That does not sound weak. It sounds powerful but controlled.
Origin of the Word Meek in Scripture
To fully understand what meek means in the Bible, it helps to look at the original languages.
Hebrew Origin (Old Testament)
In the Old Testament, the word often translated as meek comes from the Hebrew word anav or anaw. It means:
- Humble
- Lowly
- Afflicted but trusting God
This word appears frequently in the Psalms and prophetic writings.
Greek Origin (New Testament)
In the New Testament, the Greek word is praus (or praeis). It means:
- Gentle
- Mild
- Controlled strength
Interestingly, in ancient Greek culture, praus was used to describe a trained horse. The horse still had power but it was disciplined and responsive.
That’s a perfect picture of biblical meekness: power under control.
Meek vs Weak: Understanding the Difference
One of the biggest misunderstandings about meekness is confusing it with weakness.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Trait | Meek | Weak |
| Inner strength | Strong but controlled | Lacking strength |
| Response to conflict | Calm and patient | Avoidant or fearful |
| Confidence | Secure in God | Insecure |
| Leadership | Servant leadership | Passive |
Biblical meekness is not about being a doormat. It is about choosing humility over pride and patience over revenge.
For example, when insulted, a weak person may stay silent out of fear. A meek person stays calm out of strength and trust in God.
Examples of Meekness in the Bible
Let’s look at real biblical examples that show what meek means in the Bible.
1. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ described Himself as meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29).
Yet He:
- Drove money changers out of the temple
- Confronted religious leaders
- Stood firm before Roman authorities
He showed both authority and gentleness.
2. Moses
Moses is called the meekest man on earth in Book of Numbers.
Even when people complained or rebelled, Moses often prayed instead of retaliating.
3. King David
In the Book of Psalms, David often expressed humility and dependence on God, even though he was a warrior king.
What Does Meek Mean in Everyday Life?
The biblical definition of meekness still applies today.
Here’s what meekness might look like in real-world situations:
- Staying calm during an argument instead of yelling 😌
- Listening before speaking
- Admitting when you’re wrong
- Letting go of pride
- Trusting God when treated unfairly
Meekness does not mean:
- Letting people abuse you
- Being silent when justice is needed
- Avoiding responsibility
Instead, it means responding with wisdom instead of ego.
Tone and Usage: Is Meek Positive or Negative?
In the Bible, meek is always positive.
In modern English, however, it can sometimes sound negative.
Friendly Tone
She has a meek and gentle spirit.
Neutral Tone
He spoke in a meek voice.
Negative or Dismissive Tone
Stop being so meek and stand up for yourself.
That’s why context matters. When used biblically, meekness is a virtue. When used casually, it may imply timidity.
Related Biblical Terms (Comparison)
To better understand what meek means in the Bible, let’s compare it with related concepts.
| Term | Meaning | Difference from Meek |
| Humble | Not proud | Meekness includes humility plus gentleness |
| Gentle | Soft in behavior | Meekness includes strength |
| Patient | Able to wait calmly | Meekness includes submission to God |
| Lowly | Modest position | Meekness is heart attitude |
Meekness combines several virtues into one powerful quality.
Alternate Meanings of Meek
Outside the Bible, meek can mean:
- Quiet
- Timid
- Easily pushed around
However, that definition does not match biblical teaching.
In Scripture, meekness is spiritual strength. It is self-control guided by faith.
Professional or Polite Alternatives to Meek
If you want to describe biblical meekness in modern language, you might say:
- Humble
- Gentle-hearted
- Spiritually strong
- Calm and composed
- Self-controlled
These alternatives may communicate the meaning more clearly in professional or academic settings.
Why Meekness Matters in Christian Life
Meekness is considered a fruit of the Spirit in Epistle to the Galatians 5:23 (often translated as gentleness).
It reflects:
- Trust in God
- Emotional maturity
- Christ-like character
In leadership, parenting, friendships, and even business, meekness allows strength to be used wisely.
FAQs
1. What does meek mean in the Bible in simple terms?
It means being humble and gentle while still being strong. It is strength under control.
2. Does meek mean weak in the Bible?
No. Biblical meekness is the opposite of weakness. It is disciplined strength.
3. Who was called meek in the Bible?
Moses is directly called meek in the Book of Numbers. Jesus also described Himself as meek.
4. What does Blessed are the meek mean?
It means those who are humble and trust God will ultimately receive His reward.
5. Is meekness a fruit of the Spirit?
Yes. In Galatians 5:23, meekness (gentleness) is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.
6. How can someone practice meekness?
- Pray for humility
- Practice patience
- Control anger
- Trust God instead of reacting impulsively
7. Can a leader be meek?
Absolutely. Biblical leaders like Moses and Jesus showed that meekness strengthens leadership.
8. Why is meekness important to God?
Because it reflects dependence on Him rather than pride in oneself.
Conclusion:
So, what does meek mean in the Bible?
It means strength under control. It is humility without insecurity. It is gentleness without weakness. It is confidence rooted in trust in God.
Biblical meekness:
- Does not fight for ego
- Does not explode in anger
- Does not demand recognition
Instead, it rests in God’s justice and timing.
In a loud and aggressive world, meekness may look unusual but in Scripture, it is powerful and blessed.
If you want to grow spiritually, practicing meekness is one of the strongest steps you can take.
Matthew Nelson is a professional content writer and blogger with a strong focus on creating high-quality and reader-centric content. He specializes in writing informative articles that help websites grow their online visibility while delivering real value to readers.
