"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth," (Matthew 5:5 NIV).

Did you have any favorite superheroes when you were growing up? You know, those fictitious, larger-than-life characters with amazing superhero powers that always seemed to come through in the end to save the day. Some of my favorites growing up were Superman, Spiderman, and, of course, the Incredible Hulk. One thing's for sure, the word "meek" would probably not be the first word that comes to your mind when you think of these types of characters; "powerful," "strong," "amazing," yes. But "meek"? No way! "Meek" would be a word you more likely use to describe Winnie the Pooh or Big Bird, but not a superhero like Batman!

But what does that word "meek" really mean? And why would Jesus use it to characterize a person who wants to live his life according to His kingdom principles? Unfortunately whenever a word is translated from one language into another, there is always the chance of losing the true meaning of the word. This is the case with the English word "meek." Robert Guelich explains the problem with translation in his commentary on The Sermon on the Mount. In the English language "meek" carries with it connotations of weakness, softness, quietness, etc. But in the original Greek language, the word is used almost synonymously with the English word "poor," as used earlier in verse 3 of Matthew 5. So meekness, according to Matthew's understanding of Jesus' words, would refer to "those who stand empty-handed before God in total dependence upon him."

A person who demonstrates "meekness" would be the type of person who would not be willing to push his own rights or power onto others to achieve his own ends, but would rather put his trust in God alone. He would be the type of person who would not step on others to get ahead in life. "Strength under control" might be a good definition of the attitude of a meek person. Going back to our superhero friends...Superman, Spiderman and even the Incredible Hulk only used their superhero strength when it benefited someone else. It was the bad guys in those cartoons who would use their superpowers selfishly at the expense of others.

The promise for the person who demonstrates this attitude of "meekness" is that "they will inherit the earth." This promise stands as a parallel again to verse 3 of this passage where Jesus says that the "poor in spirit" will inherit "the kingdom of heaven." The meek person will inherit all of the spiritual blessings found in Christ, whether they be on earth or in heaven.

-Jim Vermilya

Remember: Meekness isn't weakness but "strength under control."