In a world where boldness, self-assertion, and confidence are celebrated, the biblical virtue of meekness often gets misunderstood or overlooked. Yet, Scripture places meekness at the very heart of the Christian walk — not as a passive trait, but as a powerful spiritual posture for receiving God's Word and walking intimately with Him.
Meekness, as depicted in the Bible, is not about weakness, timidity, or lack of courage. Rather, it is an intentional posture of humility, surrender, obedience, and teachability before God. It is the soil in which the seed of God’s Word can take root and flourish. Those who receive God's Word with meekness open themselves to transformation, divine guidance, and everlasting blessings.
What Is Biblical Meekness?
The English word “meekness” is often misunderstood in modern usage as synonymous with weakness or passivity. However, biblical scholars highlight that meekness in Scripture is far richer and more profound than contemporary definitions suggest.
In the original languages of the Bible, meekness is translated from words that speak of humility, gentleness, and submission. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word ʿănāw conveys a disposition that is humble and lowly before God, willing to accept His will even in hardship or trial. In the New Testament, the Greek word praus — often translated as meekness or gentleness — describes a strength that is controlled and submitted, not self-assertive or violent.
This means that meekness is:
Humility of heart before God
Gentleness in dealings with others
Self-control under provocation
Trust in God rather than in one’s own strength
Willingness to learn, obey, and endure
As one theologian explained, meekness is not about being unable to stand firm, but rather about exercising strength under submission to God’s will — responding to challenges with restraint, patience, and peace rather than anger or retaliation.
Meekness and Receiving God’s Word
The apostle James instructs believers to “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21, NKJV). This verse highlights a crucial truth: God’s Word is life-changing, but it requires a heart that is ready to receive it.
A heart that receives God’s Word with meekness:
Is teachable, not defensive
Submits to God’s correction, not resist
Accepts divine truth without arrogance
Puts God’s wisdom above personal pride
God’s Word doesn’t transform merely through intellectual acceptance; it transforms through submission of the heart. When we approach Scripture with meek hearts — humble and trusting — we position ourselves for true spiritual growth, conviction of sin, and alignment with God’s will.
In contrast, a proud heart — one that insists on its own understanding — blocks the life-giving power of God’s Word. Proverbs reminds us: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Meekness protects us from this spiritual downfall by keeping our hearts open and dependent on God.
Moses: The Meekest Man on Earth
One of the clearest biblical examples of meekness is found in the life of Moses, whom Scripture describes as “very humble, more than all the people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3, NKJV).
Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, confront Pharaoh, receive the Law on Mount Sinai, and shepherd an often rebellious nation through the wilderness. Despite the enormous pressure and constant complaints, Moses consistently demonstrated meekness by trusting in God rather than asserting his own strength or defending his reputation.
Rather than reacting impulsively when challenged — for example, by his own siblings Aaron and Miriam — Moses submitted the matter to God, allowing divine intervention rather than human retaliation.
Moses’ meekness was not absence of courage. It was courage under God’s control — power surrendered to God. When God defended him, it validated his obedience and leadership. This teaches us that meekness does not deny strength; it places strength under God’s authority.
The Spiritual Strength of Meekness
Biblical meekness is deeply rooted in trust in God. It is not a reaction to circumstances, but a spiritual posture of reliance on God’s sovereignty. Many passages link meekness with spiritual blessing:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
“The LORD lifts up the humble/ meek” (Psalm 147:6).
God says He will teach the meek His ways (Psalm 25:9).
These promises show that meekness is not about shrinking into the background, but about being placed in a position of divine favor, guidance, and ultimately, inheritance.
Meekness Isn’t Weakness — It’s Discipline
One of the strongest witnesses to the true nature of meekness comes from Jesus Himself. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus identified meekness as a quality of those blessed in God’s kingdom. He also described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29), inviting believers to learn from His example.
Throughout His life, Jesus exemplified meekness:
He did not call down angels to defend Him during temptation.
He forgave those who mocked Him on the cross.
He endured injustice without retaliation.
His meekness was not weakness — it was strength under complete trust in the Father’s plan. This is the same kind of strength believers are called to emulate.
How Meekness Transforms Daily Life
Meekness is not just a theological concept; it shapes how believers live:
Acceptance of God’s will — meek hearts yield to God’s guidance rather than insisting on personal plans.
Gentleness with others — responding to offenses with patience and forgiveness.
Teachability — a willingness to learn from God and others.
Peaceful conflict resolution — refraining from harsh words or vengeance.
Trust in God’s justice — leaving judgment to the Lord rather than taking matters into one’s own hands.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Meekness
Developing meekness is not automatic — it requires intentional growth with God:
1. Daily surrender to God — begin each day by submitting your will to God and asking for a humble heart.
2. Study God’s Word with a teachable spirit — ask God to reveal truths that transform rather than confirm biases.
3. Practice patience and gentleness — in conversations, aim to respond with grace rather than defensiveness.
4. Trust God in trials — see challenges as opportunities to yield to God’s strength.
Final Thoughts: The Reward of a Meek Heart
When believers receive God’s Word with meekness, they align their hearts with God’s — opening themselves to guidance, transformation, and divine blessing. Meekness cultivates humility, peace, wisdom, and spiritual depth. It is a heart posture that honors God and attracts His favor.
Truly, meekness is not about weakness. It is about living under God’s authority with trust, humility, and gentle strength — a gift that positions the believer to receive the fullness of God’s promises.
This was inspired under the Ministry of Apostle Dr Oluleye Alli , Senior Pastor Shelter Rock International Christian Center, Ibadan
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