Blessed Are The Meek? (Matthew 5:5) (Short Commentary Series)

(Matthew 5:5)"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (ESV)  

The word blessed refers to a state of well being with God.  The meek are those who are not self promoting and who do not assert themselves above others or even above God.  Of course this is the exact opposite of what the world teaches us.  But the wisdom of the world is found to be foolishness.  

The meek trust in God who controls all things.  The ultimate example of meekness is Jesus himself (Matthew 11:29, Matthew 21:5, 2 Corinthians 10:1).  The background for this verse is Psalm 37:11.  

(Psalm 37:11)"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." (ESV) 

Matthew 5:5 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

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

(LSB)"Blessed are the lowly, for they shall inherit the earth."  

(NIV)"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."  

(CSB)"Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth."  

(NASB95)"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth."  

All these Bible translations are very similar on their rendering of Matthew 5:5.  The ESV has the most traditional translation.  

Each version maintains the word "blessed" at the beginning.  The ESV and NIV have "meek." The LSB has "lowly", the CSB has "humble", and the NASB95 has "gentle." The ESV, LSB, and NASB95 have the traditional word "shall." The NIV and CSB translate it as "will." 

ESV (English Standard Version)

LSB (Legacy Standard Bible)

NIV (New International Version)

CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

NASB95 (New American Standard Bible 1995)