An entry in the 7 Scrolls Bible Dictionary, with every example verse shown in the Berean Standard Bible.
What is the biblical definition of meekness?
In the Bible, meekness is strength held under control: a gentle, humble spirit that trusts God instead of grabbing for power or revenge.
How often does the Bible use the word meekness?
| Word form (BSB) | Times used | Verses |
|---|---|---|
| meek | 3 | 3 |
| gentle | 18 | 17 |
| gentleness | 10 | 10 |
| All listed forms | 31 | 30 |
Books where these words appear in the most verses: Deuteronomy (3), Matthew (3), 1 Peter (3), Psalms (2), Proverbs (2).
The Berean Standard Bible uses the word meek only a few times and never uses meekness. It usually renders the same Hebrew and Greek words as gentle, gentleness or humble, so the table counts gentle and gentleness too. Some gentle verses describe weather or soft speech rather than character.
How we counted: a whole-word, case-insensitive search of every verse of the Berean Standard Bible (31,086 verses in our data) for each listed English form. Counts describe the English translation, not the Hebrew or Greek behind it, and include every sense of the word.
How does the Bible use meekness?
Is meekness the same as weakness?
No. Outside the Bible, Greek writers could use the word behind meek for a tamed animal. The animal kept its strength, but that strength now answered to someone else. The picture fits the Bible's use well.
A meek person can stand firm, speak the truth and even act boldly. What changes is the motive. Meekness does not push for its own way or pay back insult for insult. It leaves the final verdict with God.
How does the Old Testament describe the meek?
In the Psalms and the prophets, the meek are often the poor and the pushed aside. They have little power, so they look to God for justice. Psalm 37 tells them not to fret about people who do wrong, and Psalm 37:11 says “the meek will inherit the land”.
Moses is the classic example. Numbers 12:3 calls him “a very humble man”, right after his own brother and sister spoke against him. Moses led a nation and confronted Pharaoh, yet he did not defend himself here. God did. The same idea sits close to biblical humility, and Zephaniah 3:12 pairs the two words: “a meek and humble people”.
What did Jesus mean by blessed are the meek?
In Matthew 5:5 Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” The line echoes Psalm 37:11 almost word for word. The promise that once spoke of the land of Israel now reaches the whole earth.
Jesus also uses the word for himself. In Matthew 11:29 he says, “I am gentle and humble in heart”. In Matthew 21:5 he enters Jerusalem as a gentle king on a donkey, not a war horse. His meekness did not stop him from rebuking leaders. It showed in how he used his authority.
How do the New Testament letters use gentleness?
Paul lists gentleness in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23, next to love, joy and peace. He asks for a spirit of gentleness when someone needs correcting (Galatians 6:1). Peter asks readers to explain their hope with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Key Bible verses about meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 BSB
The best-known use of the word: Jesus names the meek as blessed and promises them the earth.
But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.
Psalm 37:11 BSB
The psalm Jesus echoes. The meek here are people who wait for God instead of taking revenge.
Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.
Numbers 12:3 BSB
The BSB says humble, but this is the classic description of Moses as meek, given when he was criticized and did not answer back.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29 BSB
Jesus describes his own character as gentle and humble, and offers rest to anyone who learns from him.
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
Matthew 21:5 BSB
The king arrives on a donkey, a public picture of how Jesus rules.
gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:23 BSB
Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit, something that grows rather than a technique.
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15 BSB
Meekness applied to conversation: give a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and respect.
What are the Hebrew and Greek words behind it?
Hebrew: anav — humble, lowly, meek
Used of Moses in Numbers 12:3 and, in the plural, of the meek in Psalm 37:11. It often describes people who are poor or oppressed and who depend on God.
Greek: praus — gentle, meek
The adjective in Matthew 5:5, 11:29 and 21:5. It describes a calm, unforced strength rather than timidity.
Greek: prautēs — gentleness, meekness
The noun form, used in Galatians 5:23 and in several of Paul's letters for the way believers should treat each other.
Meekness vs humility: what is the difference?
Humility is mostly about how you see yourself before God: honestly, without inflated pride. Meekness is mostly about how you treat others: without harshness, force or revenge. The two grow together, which is why Matthew 11:29 and Zephaniah 3:12 put them side by side.
Why does meekness matter?
Many readers hear meek and think of someone easily pushed around. The Bible's portraits point the other way. Moses and Jesus were the two strongest leaders in their stories, and both are described with this word.
Getting the word right changes how passages like the Beatitudes read. Matthew 5:5 is not praise for passivity. It is a promise to people who refuse to grab for control and trust God with the outcome. Like other character words in the 7 Scrolls Bible dictionary, it is best learned from the people who lived it.
Quick check
Which Psalm does Jesus echo when he says the meek will inherit the earth?
Psalm 37:11, which says the meek will inherit the land (Matthew 5:5).
Which leader does Numbers 12:3 describe as more humble than anyone on earth?
Moses (Numbers 12:3).
On what animal does Jesus ride as the gentle king?
A donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey (Matthew 21:5).
Related Bible words
In summary
- Meekness means strength under control, not weakness or shyness.
- Moses and Jesus are the Bible's main examples of meekness.
- Matthew 5:5 echoes Psalm 37:11 and widens the promise to the whole earth.
- In the letters, gentleness shapes how people correct, disagree and explain their faith.