Matthew 5:5 Discussion

Matthew 5:5 - New Testament Context

Greek Text (Nestle-Aland 28):

Μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς, ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν.

Transliteration:

Makarioi hoi praeis, hoti autoi klēronomēsousin tēn gēn.

Translation:

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Key Terms:

Context in Matthew:Matthew 5:5 is part of the Beatitudes, a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus on those who embody kingdom values. The "meek" are those who, in contrast to the proud and self-reliant, humbly depend on God, endure oppression, and trust in His justice. The promise that they "shall inherit the earth" points to the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom, where the humble will reign with Christ in the new creation (cf. 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 5:10). This verse directly alludes to Psalm 37:11, showing Jesus’ teaching as a fulfillment of Old Testament promises.

Best Translation: The English Standard Version (ESV) and New American Standard Bible (NASB) are among the most accurate for Matthew 5:5, rendering it as:

Question: Where can we find this statement in another part of the bible?

Answer Psalm 37:11. Read Psalm 37:1-11

2. Psalm 37:11 - Old Testament Background

Hebrew Text (Masoretic Text):

וַעֲנָוִים יִרְשׁוּ־אָרֶץ וְהִתְעַנְּגוּ עַל־רֹב שָׁלוֹם

Transliteration:

Wa‘anawim yirshu-’aretz w’hith‘ann’gu ‘al-rov shalom.

Translation:

"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace."

Key Terms:

Context in Psalm 37: Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm contrasting the fate of the wicked and the righteous. The "meek" (‘anawim) are those who trust in the Lord (v. 3), commit their way to Him (v. 5), and wait patiently for His deliverance (v. 7). The promise that they "shall inherit the land" is repeated multiple times (vv. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34), emphasizing God’s faithfulness to give His people their covenant inheritance, while the wicked are cut off (v. 9). The "land" symbolizes God’s blessing and presence, ultimately pointing to eternal life in His kingdom.

Best Translation: The ESV and NASB again provide accurate renderings:

3. Biblical Synthesis and Meaning

The phrase "the meek shall inherit the earth" in Matthew 5:5 is a direct quotation of Psalm 37:11 from the Septuagint, where ‘anawim is translated as praeis. Jesus reinterprets the Old Testament promise in a New Testament context, expanding the "land" (’aretz/gē) from the physical Promised Land to the eschatological kingdom of God, the renewed earth (cf. Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:1). The "meek" are those who embody humility, trust in God, and patient endurance, qualities exemplified by Jesus Himself (Matthew 11:29, Philippians 2:5-8).

Key Biblical Themes:

Cross-References:

4. Conclusion

Based on Matthew 5:5 and Psalm 37:11, "the meek shall inherit the earth" means that those who humbly trust in God, endure affliction patiently, and submit to His will shall receive the ultimate covenant blessing: participation in God’s eternal kingdom, the renewed earth. The Greek praeis and Hebrew ‘anawim emphasize humility and reliance on God, not weakness. The promise, rooted in the Old Testament land inheritance, is fulfilled in the New Testament’s eschatological hope of reigning with Christ. The ESV and NASB provide the most accurate translations, faithfully rendering the original texts’ meaning and intent.

 What were some challenges in your life that called for meekness or otherwise and did you eventually inherit? Success or failure doesn’t matter because it is for learning.

Examples of meekness/gentleness and what were their inheritance

Old Testament Examples of Meekness

New Testament Examples of Meekness

 How can Christians embody the meekness described in Matthew 5:5 in a world that often values assertiveness and self-promotion?

 What does it mean to "inherit the earth" in our daily lives, given that the promise points to a future eschatological reality?

 What personal challenges do you face in cultivating the meekness described in Matthew 5:5, and how does the promise of inheriting the earth encourage you to persevere?

 How does the example of Jesus as "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29) inspire or challenge your understanding of what it means to be meek in your relationships and community?