We begin this week with some insight as to why agreeing on a common biblical definition of Bible words is complicated by the common use of a half-dozen or so different translations*. We then begin our quest to define “meek”, (or “meekness”) in the book of Numbers, according to the authoritative KJB with Aaron, Miriam, Moses and the Ethiopian woman Moses married. And along the way we learn that details of The Law of Moses recorded in Deuteronomy were not included in the original report from Sinai in Exodus 19-31.

We’ll then get two or three more witnesses from the Old Testament and the Gospels regarding meekness to discover the sphere of meaning. What we discover is NOT that meekness involves deliberate decisions of the human will to control ourselves or our power, (as Google and the dictionaries, and the modern evangelical lexicons define it), but learning God’s will, giving deference to it in judgment, and obedience to it, especially when it costs one worldly status, position or relationships.

We then look at the meek in Isaiah 61:1, and the reference to it recorded in Luke 4:16-19 . Here we examine another example of why the “red letter” Bible was a bad idea, why the redness of the letters is not inspired, and how they may conceal the intent of the author. Because the Luke 4 text differs from Isaiah 61:1 in ways you’ve likely heard about, and in ways you might not have heard.

We then examine the concept of meekness as applied by Paul alongside other concepts like righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, fighting the good fight, laying hold on eternal life, and professing a good profession. We also discuss the difference between forgiveness regarding an earthly quarrel versus the treatment of sin and false doctrine.

To close with a definition: The Bible defines meekness as submission to God’s will, especially when it costs you in the world. Meekness is to be learned and may be expressed with kindness or by rebuke. It should be displayed so as not to engender strife, but instead to facilitate understanding or restoration. Have I always displayed meekness perfectly? No. Maybe you haven’t either. I hope this study helps both of us understand and display meekness more excellently.

Phil 1:9-11, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

*Occurrences of “meek” and “meekness” in the ESV, NKJ & KJB :
ESV: – Num 12:3, Ps 37:11, Isa 11:4, 29:19, Mt 5:5
NKJV:  Ps 37:11, Isa 11:4, Zeph 2:3, 11:12, Mt 5:5, 2 Cor 10:1, Col 3:12, Jam 1:21, 3:13, I Pet 3:15
KJB Num 12:3, Ps 22:26, 25:9, 37:11, 45:4, 76:9, 147:6, 149:4, Isa 11:4, 29:19, 61:1, Amos 2:7, Zph 2:3, Mat 5:5, 11:29, 21:5, I Cor 4:21, 2 Cor 10:1, Gal 5:23, 6:1, Ep 4:2, Col 3:12, I Tim 6:11, 2 Tim 2:25, Tit  3:2, Jam 1:21, 3:13, I Pet 3:4, 3:15)

Get the Audio Version Here.