Agaliha
August 5th, 2009, 02:55 AM
& the 3rd Beatitude.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
A few translations swap meek for gentle:
World English Bible (http://worldebible.com/matthew/5.htm)
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
GOD'S WORDŽ Translation (http://gwt.scripturetext.com/matthew/5.htm)
Blessed are those who are gentle. They will inherit the earth.
A sermon outline about this Beatitude (http://mysticwicks.com/:%20http://www.the-churchofchrist.com/attitudes/beatitudes_the_meek.htm), part of it:
1. The meaning of the word "meek."
1) Meek does not mean "weak."
2) This word in the Greek originally meant gentle, mild or kind and referred to an outward, observed attitude. It was the opposite of wrath and anger.
3) As a Christian aspect of character or attitude, the word indicates humility, equanimity and kindness. Possessing composure even under grueling circumstances. As a Christian attitude it is more inward than outward.
4) Daniel Webster says, "1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries."
5) Albert Barnes says, "Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries. It is neither meanness nor a surrender of our rights, nor cowardice; but it is the opposite of sudden anger, of malice, of long-harbored vengeance."
6) Charles Wesley said: "They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced."
7) Those who are meek are gentle, kind, humble, composed, and slow to anger.
A few commentaries:
Wesley's Notes (http://wes.biblecommenter.com/matthew/5.htm)
5:5 Happy are the meek - They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced. They shall inherit the earth - They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible (http://www.biblestudytools.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/)
Blessed are the meek…
Who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable. The Jews, though a proud, haughty, and wrathful people, cannot but speak in its praise: "Wisdom, fear, and meekness, say they, are of high esteem; but (hwne), "meekness", is greater than them all.'' Discuss! :)
Do you agree with these definitions of meekness? How does it play a role in your faith and character? Is it something you struggle with? Etc.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
A few translations swap meek for gentle:
World English Bible (http://worldebible.com/matthew/5.htm)
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
GOD'S WORDŽ Translation (http://gwt.scripturetext.com/matthew/5.htm)
Blessed are those who are gentle. They will inherit the earth.
A sermon outline about this Beatitude (http://mysticwicks.com/:%20http://www.the-churchofchrist.com/attitudes/beatitudes_the_meek.htm), part of it:
1. The meaning of the word "meek."
1) Meek does not mean "weak."
2) This word in the Greek originally meant gentle, mild or kind and referred to an outward, observed attitude. It was the opposite of wrath and anger.
3) As a Christian aspect of character or attitude, the word indicates humility, equanimity and kindness. Possessing composure even under grueling circumstances. As a Christian attitude it is more inward than outward.
4) Daniel Webster says, "1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries."
5) Albert Barnes says, "Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries. It is neither meanness nor a surrender of our rights, nor cowardice; but it is the opposite of sudden anger, of malice, of long-harbored vengeance."
6) Charles Wesley said: "They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced."
7) Those who are meek are gentle, kind, humble, composed, and slow to anger.
A few commentaries:
Wesley's Notes (http://wes.biblecommenter.com/matthew/5.htm)
5:5 Happy are the meek - They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced. They shall inherit the earth - They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible (http://www.biblestudytools.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/)
Blessed are the meek…
Who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable. The Jews, though a proud, haughty, and wrathful people, cannot but speak in its praise: "Wisdom, fear, and meekness, say they, are of high esteem; but (hwne), "meekness", is greater than them all.'' Discuss! :)
Do you agree with these definitions of meekness? How does it play a role in your faith and character? Is it something you struggle with? Etc.