Blessed Are the Meek: What Jesus Really Meant

I recently learned something about the word “meek” that absolutely delighted me — and it instantly became one of my(many) favorite discoveries in Scripture.

As someone who lives on a farm and has always had a deep, lifelong love for horses, this connection struck my heart in a really special way.

When Jesus said:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5

…the Greek word behind “meek” — praus — was often used to describe a trained warhorse.

Not a weak horse.

Not a timid horse.

But a powerful, strong, spirited animal whose strength was fully surrendered to its rider.

A wild horse has strength.

A meek horse has strength under control.

Strength submitted to the right Master.

And isn’t that exactly the kind of person Jesus is describing?

Let's deep dive into the verse ...

Greek Text:

μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς, ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν.

Makarioi hoi praeis, hoti autoi klēronomēsousin tēn gēn.

Let’s break down every key word:

“Blessed” — μακάριοι (makarioi)

This means more than “happy.”

It describes a deep, soul-level joy that comes from God’s favor and presence.

A joy untouched by circumstance.

“The meek” — οἱ πραεῖς (hoi praeis)

Root word: praus

Meaning: gentle, humble, submitted strength.

This word was used in the ancient world to describe:

A powerful horse that has been trained and brought under the control of its rider.

Not broken.

Not weak.

Still fully strong — but strength guided by obedience.

That imagery completely transforms how we read this verse.

Jesus isn’t praising passivity or timidity.

He’s praising those who are strong — yet choose to submit their strength, impulses, desires, and emotions to God.

Meekness is not weakness.

Meekness is power submitted.

“Shall inherit” — κληρονομήσουσιν (klēronomēsousin)

This verb means:

• to receive an inheritance

• to be given what belongs by promise

• to receive—not seize, fight for, or earn

The meek don’t grab the earth by force;

they receive what God gives.

“The earth” — τὴν γῆν (tēn gēn)

This can mean:

• the land

• the earth

• the ground

• or the Promised Land itself

Jesus is quoting Psalm 37:11, which says:

“The meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

In the New Testament, this expands to the renewed earth, the restored creation God will establish in the fullness of His Kingdom (Revelation 21).

So this promise is both now and not yet.

What Jesus Was Really Saying ...

Jesus is telling us:

“Those who trust Me enough to surrender their strength, their rights, their impulses, and their need to fight for control — they will receive everything others are striving to take.”

The world says:

“Assert yourself. Push harder. Take control. Fight.”

Jesus says:

“Submit your strength to Me. Trust My timing. Rest in My leading.”

The meek person:

• doesn’t force outcomes

• doesn’t grasp for power

• doesn’t manipulate or dominate

• doesn’t panic to defend themselves

• doesn’t fight to be noticed

Instead, they trust the One holding the reins.

Just like a trained horse, they move when God says move, and stand still when He says stand.

Meekness isn’t timid.

It’s trained.

It’s disciplined.

It’s surrendered strength.

And according to Jesus, that is the kind of heart God rewards — both in this life and in the life to come.

The world fights to inherit the earth.

The meek simply receive it.

Because it already belongs to their Father.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this word study. Did you gain some calrity on what this verse really means, like I did?