Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. What does it mean to be meek? Does meek mean weak? Why are the meek blessed by God? What did Jesus mean by this Beatitude? This poem is based on the third Beatitude, verse five of The Beatitudes, Matthew Chapter 5:1-12. 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.'
In ancient Greek, meek was a popular word that meant strength under control. In the English language, meek has both a positive and a negative meaning. Its original meaning held a positive sense: gentle, patient restraint, someone who is able to remain calm and subdued even when being provoked. In modern English, it also has a negative meaning: overly submissive, deficient in spirit and courage, submissive. Meek is no longer a commonly used word but instead, the word humble is used, which means the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance, freedom from pride or arrogance. This Beatitude can be understood in both meanings, positive and negative.
The Setting of The Beatitudes
63 BC was at the height of the Roman empire when Pompei The Great ruled. It marked the end of Jewish independence and land ownership. Now Rome ruled over them. Jews became slaves and servants to Romans. Caesar Augustus ruled during Jesus' childhood and was one of ancient Rome’s most successful leaders. He imposed heavy taxation on citizens throughout the Roman Empire. Herod The Great, known as the king of the Jews, ruled the Jews under Caesar. The great building campaigns of Herod were funded by the taxes paid by the citizens of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea; leaving the majority of people living in poverty.
After decades of Roman rule, many Jewish village families fell increasingly into debt and were faced with the loss of their family inheritance of land. The impoverishment of families led to the disintegration of village communities. These are precisely the deteriorating living conditions that Jesus mentions in the Gospels: impoverishment, hunger, and debt.
The whole of the Roman Empire lived under military enforced 'peace.' The Jewish people had already lived subject to the Babylon, Assyria, Persia and Greeks Empires, and then finally Rome. They considered themselves as still living in exile in their own land waiting, hoping for a new exodus from God. That God would send a saviour to free His chosen people from the oppression of the Roman empire.
Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst?
You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Beverley Joy
