Yeah sure...
Alternative facts....
The meek isn't really the meek, eh?
And those that mourn are not mourners
And the peacemakers are not really peacemakers...
Etc etc etc....
This sentence always struck me as it, like so many in both testaments; is a profound statement in it's simplicity. I viewed it as being "humble" and submissive to God. Or maybe such as that which Gandhi promoted in peaceful resistance, etc.
However, I've read enough to convince me otherwise, it's a word with enough ambivalence to look deeper. The New Testament was written over 2000 years ago in Hebrew/Aramaic,
of course the word meek, along with other words aren't going to be the same, especially when translated. Did you know the word "nice", used to mean foolish? Awful, used to mean "in awe of"? These are just two off the top of my head, I could find a hundred if I googled a search.
As such, I believe meek isn't passive. That would go against so many tenets promoted in the bible about being virtuous and righteous. Is it righteous to stand idle as people are persecuted? I think not.
Here is one source, similar to what I read some time ago regarding this passage and the word meek:
Matthew 5:5 - Meek Inherit the Earth
Who are the meek?
To many, “meekness” suggests the idea of passivity, someone who is easily imposed upon, spinelessness, weakness. Since Jesus declared Himself to be meek (Matthew 11:29), some perceive Him as a sissy-type character.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In the Greek New Testament, “meek” is from the Greek term praus. It does not suggest weakness; rather, it denotes strength brought under control. The ancient Greeks employed the term to describe a wild horse tamed to the bridle.
In the biblical sense, therefore, being meek describes one who has channeled his strengths into the service of God.
