Gentleness

Meekness is an equally valid translation of this Greek word, as in “Blessed are the meek” (Matt.5:5). The same word is also found in another famous saying of Jesus: “Come to me and I will give you rest... for I am gentle and humble” (Matt.11:28-29). Gentle is the usual modern translation, though humbly/humility are sometimes used (Jas. 1:21; 3:13).

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To modern ears meekness suggest weakness. Yet Paul appealed to his readers “by the meekness of Christ” (2 Cor.10:1). In classical Greek the word is used of unexpected gentle conduct, including of an officer training soldiers or a man training a horse. It describes the character in which strength and gentleness go together.

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So gentleness is used in combination with love (1 Cor.4:21), restoration (Gal.6:1), instruction (2 Tim.2:25) and humility (Tit.3:2). We are urged to “be completely humble and gentle” (Eph.4:2), and to be ready to witness to Christ but to “do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet.3:15), in keeping with his own nature. Creating that nature in us is the work of the Spirit, but once again we have an active part to play: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col.3:12).