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Lesson # 4

Lesson # 4. Various Translations of Matthew 5:5. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (KJV) "Blessed are the gentl e, for they shall inherit the earth. (NASB) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (NIV)

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Lesson # 4

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  1. Lesson # 4

  2. Various Translations of Matthew 5:5 • Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (KJV) • "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. (NASB) • Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (NIV) • Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land. (Catholic) • Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (The Living English) • How blest are those of a gentle spirit; they shall have the earth for their possession. (The New English Bible) • Happy are the meek; they will receive what God has promised! (Today's English Version)

  3. Consideration of the Greek in Matthew 5:5 • Matthew 5:5 Blessed <3107> are the meek <4239>: for <3754> they <846> shall inherit <2816> [5692] the earth <1093>. (Strong's numbers and mood/Tense/Voice Numbers KJV) • 4239praus praus{prah-ooce'} apparently a primary word; TDNT - 6:645,929; adj AV - meek 3; 3 • mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness • “Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time. (Is. 41:17, Lu. 18:1-8) • Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. • This is a work (fruit of the Spirit, ---JC) of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will. (Gal. 5:23)" **** NOTE THIS IS STRONG"S OWN COMMENTARY Not the definition of the Greek Word.

  4. Consideration of the Greek in Matthew 5:5 • Matthew 5:5 Blessed <3107> are the meek <4239>: for <3754> they <846> shall inherit <2816> [5692] the earth <1093>. (Strong's numbers and mood/Tense/Voice Numbers KJV) • 2816 kleronomeo {klay-ron-om-eh'-o} from 2818; TDNT - 3:767,442; v AV - inherit 15, be heir 2, obtain by inheritance 1; 18 • to receive a lot, receive by lot • esp. to receive a part of an inheritance, receive as an inheritance, obtain by right of inheritance • to be an heir, to inherit • to receive the portion assigned to one, receive an allotted portion, receive as one's own or as a possession • to become partaker of, to obtain

  5. Consideration of the Greek in Matthew 5:5 • Matthew 5:5 Blessed <3107> are the meek <4239>: for <3754> they <846> shall inherit <2816> [5692] the earth <1093>. (Strong's numbers and mood/Tense/Voice Numbers KJV) • 1093 ge {ghay} contracted from a root word; TDNT - 1:677,116; n f AV - earth 188, land 42, ground 18, country 2, world 1, earthly + 1537 + 3588 1; 252 • arable land • the ground, the earth as a standing place • the main land as opposed to the sea or water • the earth as a whole • the earth as opposed to the heavens • the inhabited earth, the abode of men and animals • a country, land enclosed within fixed boundaries, a tract of land, territory, region

  6. Consideration of the Mood Tense and Voice in Matthew 5:5 • Matthew 5:5 Blessed <3107> are the meek <4239>: for <3754> they <846> shall inherit <2816> [5692] the earth <1093>. (Strong's numbers and mood/Tense/Voice Numbers KJV) • 5692 Tense - Future See 5776 • 5776 Tense – Future • The future tense corresponds to the English future, and indicates the contemplated or certain occurrence of an event which has not yet occurred. • Voice - Active See 5784 • 5784 Voice – Active • The active voice represents the subject as the doer or performer of the action. E.g., in the sentence, "The boy hit the ball," the boy performs the action. • Mood - Indicative See 5791 • 5791 Mood – Indicative • The indicative mood is a simple statement of fact. If an action really occurs or has occurred or will occur, it will be rendered in the indicative mood.

  7. Consideration of the Greek in Matthew 5:5 • The Greek word translated "meek" in the New Testament "is etymologically linked with the Gothic (fryon to love), frionds (friend), and means friendly, mild, gentle. • The noun . . . means gentle, mild friendliness. • The virtually synonymous epieikes . . . (is derived from) to yield, give way . . . or . . . forbearance, indulgence, mildness . . .. • (It is) used of things (e.g. mild words, soothing medicine, actions and feelings), animals (tame) and people (benevolent).

  8. Consideration of the Greek in Matthew 5:5 • It is a quality shown by friends, while stern harshness may be expected from an enemy" (Colin Brown, The New International Dictionary Of New Testament Theology, Vol. 2, p. 256). • "Meek" as used in the Greek describes one who is friendly, mild towards others, one who forbears others and does not seek to push his own selfish interests. • This does not mean one does not use his rights to protect himself. Jesus reminded the high priest who hit him, that he had rights as an accused under the law (See, Jn. 18: 23). • Paul exercised his rights as a Roman citizen in Philippi and again before Festus (Acts 16:37; 25:11-12).

  9. Consideration of the English Word in Matthew 5:5 • English word "meek" does not do full justice to the original Greek word. • In English, "meek" has come to suggest one who is weak, timid and even cowardly. • This concept is illustrated in the expressions, "as meek as a mouse," and "meek little man." • This is quite contrary to the original Greek word. • The Greeks would use this word to describe a horse, once wild, but now was tamed and "meek." • In this context, "meek" is controlled strength and submissiveness. • Meekness begins from within one with the determination and spirit to control one's self and act appropriately towards others. • Christians are to clothe themselves with a "meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Pet. 3:4; See also, Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11).

  10. Commentary on the Verse • Matthew Henry states concerning this passage --- "Those who quietly submit themselves to God, to His Word and to His rod, who follow His directions and comply with His designs, and are gentle toward all men (Tit. 3:2); who can bear provocation without being inflamed by it; are either silent, or return a soft answer; and who can show their displeasure when there is occasion for it, without any indecencies; who can be cool when other are hot; and in their patience keep possession of their own souls. They are the meek, who are rarely and hardly provoked, but quickly and easily pacified; and who would rather forgive twenty injuries than revenge one, having the rule of their own spirits. "Inherit the earth" --- quoted from Psa. 37:11, and it is almost the only express temporal promise in all the N.T." {The Matthew Henry Study Bible p. 1789}

  11. Commentary on the Verse • Albert Barnesnotes of this meekness --- "Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries. It is neither meaness nor a surrender of our rights, nor cowardice; but it is the opposite of sudden anger, of malice, of long-harbored vengeance.“ • Note Christ's insistence on His rights in John 18:23 • Yet Christ is the very model of meekness --- Matt. 11;29 • Note Paul’s right when he said --- Acts 16:37

  12. Meekness comes in light of the fact that God is the avenger of wrongs. • Meekness comes in light of the fact that God is the avenger of the wrongs that are done us. • cf. Rom. 12:19 • II Thess. 1:8-9 • Meekness produces "peace". • It is proof of true greatness of soul. • It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. • It looks upon them that offer them in pity. • Those who are quickly ruffled and quickly anger are like the stormy sea, that cannot be calmed, whose waters cast up dirt and mire" --- {Barnes' Notes -- The Gospels by Albert Barnes p. 44}

  13. Meekness comes in light of the fact that God is the avenger of wrongs. • Harper Notes • "More than 'gentle'; humble and trustful towards God even though outward conditions of life are not easy. It is the opposite of the self-centered, brazen attempt to be independent of God. It accepts life under God without complaint or inner bitterness." {Harper's New Testament Commentaries, p. 77} • Robertson notes • "The 'English' word 'meek' has largely lost the fine blend of spiritual poise and strength meant by the Master. He calls himself "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29) and Moses is also called meek. It is the gentleness of strength, not mere effeminacy.“ • {Word Pictures in the New Testament - p. 41}

  14. MEEKNESS, WHAT IS IT? • Misunderstanding: • Like the misunderstanding that some would gather from the inheritance spoken of by Jesus, the same misunderstanding could be gathered from the attitude of meekness. Some think of meekness as: • Weakness: the world sees the "get ahead" fellow as one who is strong assertive and aggressive. • Just to be easygoing... • Niceness or being easy to get along with is not meekness • Meekness is Not a spirit of compromise • Some want peace at any price • Not a fence straddler • On the other hand, "Meekness" is compatible with: • Great strength, great power, and great authority • What then does Jesus mean by "meekness"?

  15. THE PRINCIPLE: • The principle is found in the original use of the word in the Greek. • Quote from Barclay, • "In Greek 'praus' is used in one special sense. It is used... for a beast which has been tamed. A horse which was once wild but which has become obedient to the bit and to the bridle is praus. • Now herein lies the secret to the meaning of praus. • There is gentleness in praus but behind the gentleness there is strength of steel, for the supreme characteristic of the man who is praus {the man who is meek} is that he is the man who is under perfect control. • It is not a spineless characteristic, a sentimental fondness, a passive quietism. • It is a strength under control."

  16. THE PRINCIPLE: • The use of the word then in classical Greek was to describe an animal that had been domesticated and whose strength is channeled in a certain direction. • Example: Draft Horses used for logging or to pull a wagon, horse races. • Now with this thought in our minds we get the idea of meekness as using ones strength, energy & abilities for a cause which is greater than for self. • The cause of God • Thus meekness is "strength under control“ • Meekness is the life controlled by Jesus.

  17. Spirit is to manifest itself towards God and towards all men. • "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another" (Tit. 3:1-3). • Paul instructs that meekness is a requisite quality for Christians who seek to keep scriptural unity and peace with one another (Eph. 4:2). • Notice the positive qualities that accompany meekness: submissiveness, obedience and gentleness. • Notice the negative qualities that are not seen in those who are meek: speaking evil of others, brawling, foolishness, disobedient, serving lusts, malice, envy and hate. Meekness is necessary in teaching.

  18. Spirit is to manifest itself towards God and towards all men. • Those taught need meekness. "Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way" (Psa. 25:8-9). • As James instructs, "Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (Jam. 1:21). • Those who teach need to be meek. "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" (2 Tim. 2:24-24; See also 1 Pet. 3:15). • Teaching others requires the authority of a teacher and the submissiveness of the student (s). • Those who teach the gospel, either to alien sinners or to exhort other Christians, must not abuse their position of authority. • Teaching the gospel must be approached with a humble fear towards God and a meekness towards those taught (See, 1 Thess. 2:7-8; 1 Cor. 4:21).

  19. Spirit is to manifest itself towards God and towards all men. • The quality of meekness is necessary when dealing with Christians in sin. • "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1). • Arrogance and self-righteousness should have no place in the heart of those who rebuke and admonish Christians in sin • The process of correcting and restoring those in sin is fraught with danger and temptation. • Only with meekness can those in sin be reached and those restoring escape temptation. • The scriptures explicitly provide two examples of meekness: Moses and Christ. • In the face of the challenge of Aaron and Miriam to Moses' authority, the scriptures describe Moses as a meek man. • "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3). • The contrast between the assertive self-interest of Aaron and Miriam and the humble selflessness of Moses is clearly made.

  20. Examples of Meekness • One of the reasons Moses was such a great leader was because he humbly submitted to God and did not promote and elevate himself above the place God had given him. • Moses - Num. 12:3 • What of Moses life shows meekness? • Was his life one of weakness? NO!!! • He killed an Egyptian • He fought against the band shepherds that hindered the 7 daughters of Reuel from watering their flocks • Moses' life is not characterized by a spineless, compromising, ineffectual character. • He stood before Pharaoh & said, "let my people go“ • When at the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord“ • This meek leader petitions God's mercy in behalf the Jews. • Moses was meek because his strength was channeled in the direction of a higher purpose. That of God's will. • He was as strong and "manly" as any man yet his was controlled for the purpose of God.

  21. Examples of Meekness • Christ is the second example in the scriptures of one described as "meek.“ • "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Mt. 11:29: See also, Mt. 21:5; 2 Cor. 10:1). • Jesus entreats us to come to him for he is "meek," he is friendly, gentle and comforting. • He is not a harsh and sharp master that causes us to cower in fear. • Instead, Jesus the meek and lowly, brings us help, rest and comfort. • His followers are to imitate the "meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:1; 1 Pet. 2:21-24).

  22. Examples of Meekness • Paul is a like example: • Paul's life was not the course of weakness or the path of least resistance. • He served the higher purpose of God. • The Church today is to serve the Higher purpose of God. • You are meek when God's purpose in the church is greater than your purpose. • The church is greater than: • Me • Preacher • Elders • It belongs to Christ. • Congregations are sometimes threatened by those who do not practice meekness. • Like Aaron and Miriam, these trouble makers will begin to speak against others in the congregation, likely the preacher and/or the elders (Num. 12:1). • Without meekness, these people will selfish claim they are not getting enough of something. • The only way that peace and unity will be restored is if these members leave or if they come to their senses and turn from their selfishness and learn to display meekness towards others (See, Jas. 3:13)

  23. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • What does Jesus mean "the meek shall inherit the earth"? • The promise that the meek shall "inherit the earth" has provided difficulty for some and fueled specious speculation for others. • As with any other verse in the scriptures, this verse must be understood within the context of the rest of the scriptures and be consistent with them. • Jesus is not speaking of a thousand year reign on earth at the end of time. • The Premillenialists must insert much more into Matthew 5:5, then Jesus put there. • They must insert a 1,000 years, a "reign on earth" by Christ and the end of time. • Following the reasoning of this doctrine, Jesus' promise to "inherit the earth" is not an eternal reward, but a temporary reward that lasts only 1,000 years.

  24. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • Contrary to this doctrine is the promise of the scriptures that, "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever" (Psa. 37:29, 9; Prov. 2:21-22). • Any doctrine that limits Jesus' promise to this physical earth and 1,000 years is wrong. • The Jehovah's Witnesses use Matthew 5:5 to "support" their doctrine that God will provide the present earth as an eternal reward to a portion of his faithful. • The Jehovah's Witnesses divide the people of God into two classes. • The 144,000, the "heavenly class," are the only ones going to heaven, according to their doctrine. • The remainder of God's people are the "earthly class" and they are the one's who will be left to "inherit the earth." • Does this mean that the "heavenly class" are not meek, for Jesus teaches the meek "shall inherit the earth"? • Does this mean that the "earthly class" will not be persecuted, as Jesus says the reward of the persecuted "is the kingdom of heaven"? (Mt. 5:10) • Certainly not. • There is no division among God's people with respect to their reward (See, Mt. 20:1-16). • This doctrine is not only contrary to the scriptures but also internally inconsistent and false.

  25. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • As his previous promises in the first two beatitudes, Jesus' promise of inheriting the earth has a twofold fulfillment. • Its fulfillment begins now, in the present, with the rich spiritual blessings of Christ and is completed in the future with the eternity of heaven. • The best commentary on the promise of Matthew 5:5 was made by Jesus on a later occasion. • "Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first" (Mk. 10:28-31). • This is how citizens of the kingdom "inherit the earth" in this time and in the world to come.

  26. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • The promise of Matthew 5:5 echoes the words of Psalm 37. • By understanding the message of Psalm 37, Jesus' words can be better understood. Psalm 37 contrasts the end of the wicked with the end of the righteous. • In verse eleven, David identifies the righteous as "the meek" the opposite of the wicked evildoer. The wicked have the prosperity, the riches of this world (vss. 7, 16), yet the righteous do not fret nor are they envious because they have little for it "is better than the riches of many wicked" (vss. 1, 7, 16). • Regardless of the prosperity of the wicked in this life and world their "day is coming" (vs. 13). • The wicked will be "cut down," "cut off" and "wither" (vss. 2, 9, 22, 28, 34, 38); in a little while they "shall not be" but shall perish and vanish (vss. 10, 20, 36); their wicked schemes will fall upon them (vs. 15); their "arms" or strength will be broken (vs. 17).

  27. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • On the other hand, "[T]he meek" God's righteous have a contentment, peace and blessings that the wicked do not have and can never know. • They will "dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness" (vs. 3, NKJV; vs. 19); they will receive the desire of their hearts (vs. 4); their righteousness and justice will be brought out by God (vs. 6); • God will uphold them (vss. 17, 23-24); their descendants are blessed (vss. 25-26); • "the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace" (vs. 11; also, vss. 22, 29, 37).

  28. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • Only God's meek can truly enjoy and appreciate the abundant blessings of God in this world and in this life. • They are the children of God. • They recognize this earth and all that are in it was created and belongs to God. • Thus, as his children they know that all things are truly theirs to enjoy. • Whatever, they have or lack in this life, they are rich, they are children of The King.

  29. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • One day they shall enter into the consummation of their inheritance. Christians have received the beginning of their inheritance, "now in this time" as children of God and joint-heirs with Christ. • They view themselves as "possessing everything" (2 Cor. 6:10) because "all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's" (1 Cor. 3:21-23). • The fulfillment of this promise is demonstrated in part in the fellowship of Christians who readily provide for those saints in need among them (See, Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 11:27-30; Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9) and provide hospitality to others (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:1-3). • As Paul wrote to the Philippians, "I have all and abound: I am full . . ." (Phil. 4:18).

  30. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • The second and future fulfillment of Jesus' promise is to come with the dissolution of the present heavens and earth and the introduction of a "new heavens and new earth" with the glory of heaven (2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1). • God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants, included the promise to give them the land of Canaan (Gen. 15:7-8; Ex. 32:13). • God kept this promise (Deut. 1:38; 16:20). • The Jews considered their land as one of God's greatest blessings that held all other temporal blessings.

  31. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • Thus, the sum of God's blessings were expressed in the proverbial language of inheriting or possessing the land and God's wrath was expressed by removing one from the land (Psa. 10:16; 21:10; 25:13; 37; 52:5; 101:8; 104:35). • In Isaiah, the great blessing of the physical land of Canaan foreshadows and anticipates a "new heavens and a new earth" (Isa. 65:17; 66:22), an eternal land and home for God's people to live in peace (See, Isa. 65:17-25; 66:22-24). • Thus, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, "Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified" (Isa. 60:21).

  32. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • In the New Testament, the promise of the "new heavens and new earth" is repeated (See, 2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1). • The city of Jerusalem and the land of Canaan, are presented as a type or figure representing the spiritual land of heaven, "which is above" (Gal. 4:25-26; Heb. 11:9-10, 16; 12:22; 13:14; Rev. 21:1-2). • First, the present heavens and earth must pass away, melt, be burned up and be dissolved (2 Pet. 3:10). • Then, "according to his promise, (the meek will inherit the) new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:13).

  33. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • So basically there are two ways to view it. • The meek inherit the earth in that they receive the richest, fullest and most satisfying life that this earth can give. (Earthly life) • II Cor. 6:10 • I Cor. 3:21-23 "all things are yours“ • (Earthly use) Having given up my own relatively unessential purposes to be controlled within the higher purpose of God, then all the earth is mine to use. • One author wrote this, "All the things in it afford me the means by which I can build for eternity.“ • Thus, I inherit: • The greatest life worth living in this world and can enjoy all of it. • I can use everything toward the higher purpose to which I have given myself.

  34. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • The Prudential Ins. Co. = "Get a piece of the rock“ • To many, when it comes to owning a piece of this earth, this is more that just a nice slogan but, a passion. • Many strive all of their lives to possess this earth, (their feeling is that it is sturdy, that it will endure, that which is permanent) • Most people have a desire to own or possess a piece of this world. • Often times huge sums of real estate are dispersed thru the estate of the departed dead to those family members to whom an inheritance is promised. • Much pride and pleasure is often associated with the possession of such an inheritance of property. • There is often quarreling over keeping such land within the family inheritance.

  35. The Promise – shall inherit the earth • It is unlikely that Jesus spoke of this type of an "inheritance". • Those who are meek are not said to possess the same disposition of greed for worldly possessions. • I doubt Jesus intended to give a literal deed of the earth to the meek. • For He said, "My kingdom is not of this world“ • Rom. 14:17 "For the kingdom is not meat & drink...“ • Thus, once again our understanding of this inheritance that Jesus speaks of must be interpreted and understood in light of spiritual principles. • Jesus wants to help free us from the bonds of this world and not to further entangle us.

  36. Conclusion • Notice the progression & building of each Beatitude upon the other. • First, the "Poor in Spirit", Humility opens the door of belief and faith. • Second, "Mourning", Godly Sorrow, opens the door from faith to real repentance. • Third, "Meekness" controlled strength opens the door to obedience and surrender in life. • These are no doubt stepping stones on which one is connected to the each. • So it is with Christianity: • Faith • Repentance • Confession & Baptism • They are not separate & distinct, but related and follow naturally one after the other; building upon the former and moving to the next. • None of these (faith, repentance. obedience.) are one time, separate acts. • Are you willing to let God take control?

  37. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” King James Version

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