Matthew 5:5 commentary on being meek in the Bible
Peterson: “Be a monster”?
Psychologist Jordan Peterson sparked controversy with his interpretation of the term “meek” in Matthew 5:5, relating it to exercising restraint with weapons. In other words, we should be “monsters” who can maintain self-control over our power or skills.
He said, “Meek is not a good translation,” the better interpretation is “those who have swords and know how to use them, but keep them sheathed, shall inherit the earth.” We see similar patterns in other Bible verses.
2 Timothy 1:7
God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
WHY YOU SHOULD STOP COMPLAINING.
The intention of the word meek (πρᾶος, prah-oos)
The Greek word used for meek in the Bible is πρᾶος (prah-oos). It is a typical Greek word that means “soft, gentle, mild-mannered.” But it can also refer to tamed, submissive, or broken-in animals.
Wild stallions were captured from the mountains and carefully broken in for various purposes. Some were employed to pull wagons, others were raced, and the finest were trained for warfare, but these horses retained their fierce spirit, courage, and power.
Yet, they were also disciplined (tamed) to respond to the subtlest cues or pressures from the rider’s leg.
They could gallop into battle at up to 35 miles per hour and come to a sudden stop upon command. They were not easily frightened by arrows, spears, or torches. Therefore, they were considered “meeked” or “tamed.”
Matthew 5:5
The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.
WHY CHRISTIAN MATURITY IS IMPOSSIBLE.
Power under control is meekness
To be “meeked” meant to be taken from a state of wild rebellion and transformed into complete loyalty and dependence on one’s master. It also entailed being taken from an atmosphere of fear and becoming unflinching in the face of danger.
Some war horses would plunge from ravines into rivers in pursuit of their prey, while others would charge fearlessly toward exploding cannons, as Lord Tennyson described in his poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade.”
These stallions became submissive yet far from weak-willed. They embodied power under control and strength with patience.
Apostle Paul: self-control in all things
The apostle Paul sums up what true meekness is. He exercised self-control in all things. Having been blessed with weapons of spiritual gifts and revelation, Paul disciplines his body to keep it under control yet remain gentle.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things… So I do not run aimlessly or box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I should be disqualified.
2 Corinthians 10:1
I, Paul, myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…
The meekness of Jesus
The Bible describes Jesus Christ as meek, yet He demonstrated great strength and courage. In His meekness, Jesus had the self-control and humility to face conflict and death.
Whatever the translation of the word meek used in Matthew 5:5, scripture consistently tells us not to be weak or timid but to practice restraint, honor, and self-discipline.
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you out as sheep amid wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
