Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Psalm 37:11
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What does "Matthew 5:5" mean?
The verse "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth" appears in Matthew 5:5, as part of the Sermon on the Mount. It's a direct quote from Psalm 37:11. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
Blessed: This word (Greek: makarios) doesn't just mean "happy" in a superficial way. It implies a deeper, more profound sense of well-being, fulfillment, and divine favor. It suggests being in a state of grace, experiencing God's blessing.
The gentle: The Greek word translated as "gentle" is praus. It's often translated as "meek," "gentle," "humble," or "lowly." It doesn't mean weakness or passivity. Rather, it describes a person who has power under control, who is not easily provoked, who is patient, and who is willing to yield their rights for the sake of others. Think of a strong horse that is well-trained and responds to its rider's guidance; it has power but is under control. It's about inner strength and self-control, not being a doormat.
Shall inherit the earth: This is the most debated part of the verse. "Inherit" implies a future acquisition, and "earth" can be interpreted in several ways:
Literal Earth: Some believe it refers to a future, renewed earth, as described in Revelation. The gentle, because of their character, will be best suited to steward and enjoy this new creation.
Spiritual Earth: "Earth" can also be a symbolic representation of the kingdom of God, or the realm of spiritual influence. The gentle, by their nature, will find their place and have a lasting impact in God's kingdom.
Present Earth (Practical Life): A more immediate interpretation is that the gentle will find contentment and stability in their lives on this earth. They will not be consumed by striving and aggression, but will find peace and security in their relationship with God and others. By not fighting for power and possessions, they paradoxically gain a secure and lasting place in the world. Those who are aggressive and grasping often lose everything through their greed and conflict.
In summary, the verse means:
Those who are gentle, humble, and have controlled strength are in a blessed state, favored by God. They will ultimately find a secure place and lasting fulfillment, whether in a future renewed earth, in the spiritual realm of God's kingdom, or in their practical lives on this earth.
The Paradox:
The verse contains a paradox. It suggests that those who don't aggressively seek to dominate and control, who are willing to yield and be humble, will ultimately inherit the very thing that others strive for through force and selfishness. This aligns with other teachings of Jesus about humility, service, and putting others first.
In essence, this beatitude encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gentleness, humility, and controlled strength, promising that such a character will lead to a life of profound blessing and lasting impact.
Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Psalm 37:11
What does "Matthew 5:5" mean?
The verse "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth" appears in Matthew 5:5, as part of the Sermon on the Mount. It's a direct quote from Psalm 37:11. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
Blessed: This word (Greek: makarios) doesn't just mean "happy" in a superficial way. It implies a deeper, more profound sense of well-being, fulfillment, and divine favor. It suggests being in a state of grace, experiencing God's blessing.
The gentle: The Greek word translated as "gentle" is praus. It's often translated as "meek," "gentle," "humble," or "lowly." It doesn't mean weakness or passivity. Rather, it describes a person who has power under control, who is not easily provoked, who is patient, and who is willing to yield their rights for the sake of others. Think of a strong horse that is well-trained and responds to its rider's guidance; it has power but is under control. It's about inner strength and self-control, not being a doormat.
Shall inherit the earth: This is the most debated part of the verse. "Inherit" implies a future acquisition, and "earth" can be interpreted in several ways:
Literal Earth: Some believe it refers to a future, renewed earth, as described in Revelation. The gentle, because of their character, will be best suited to steward and enjoy this new creation.
Spiritual Earth: "Earth" can also be a symbolic representation of the kingdom of God, or the realm of spiritual influence. The gentle, by their nature, will find their place and have a lasting impact in God's kingdom.
Present Earth (Practical Life): A more immediate interpretation is that the gentle will find contentment and stability in their lives on this earth. They will not be consumed by striving and aggression, but will find peace and security in their relationship with God and others. By not fighting for power and possessions, they paradoxically gain a secure and lasting place in the world. Those who are aggressive and grasping often lose everything through their greed and conflict.
In summary, the verse means:
Those who are gentle, humble, and have controlled strength are in a blessed state, favored by God. They will ultimately find a secure place and lasting fulfillment, whether in a future renewed earth, in the spiritual realm of God's kingdom, or in their practical lives on this earth.
The Paradox:
The verse contains a paradox. It suggests that those who don't aggressively seek to dominate and control, who are willing to yield and be humble, will ultimately inherit the very thing that others strive for through force and selfishness. This aligns with other teachings of Jesus about humility, service, and putting others first.
In essence, this beatitude encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gentleness, humility, and controlled strength, promising that such a character will lead to a life of profound blessing and lasting impact.