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In Matthew, Jesus’ teaching of the meek inheriting the earth is similar to Rabbinic tradition in Pirkei Avot which defines humility as a trait of Abraham’s followers. Both traditions connect humility with divine reward, using character rather than power as the basis for honor.
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Matthew 5:5
New Testament
1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them by saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Date: 70-90 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
Pirkei Avot 5:19
Mishnah
Rabbinic
19 Whoever possesses these three things, he is of the disciples of Abraham, our father; and [whoever possesses] three other things, he is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. A good eye, a humble spirit and a moderate appetite he is of the disciples of Abraham, our father. An evil eye, a haughty spirit and a limitless appetite he is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. What is the difference between the disciples of Abraham, our father, and the disciples of Balaam, the wicked? The disciples of Abraham, our father, enjoy this world, and inherit the world to come, as it is said: “I will endow those who love me with substance, I will fill their treasuries” (Proverbs 8:21). But the disciples of Balaam, the wicked, inherit gehinnom, and descend into the nethermost pit, as it is said: “For you, O God, will bring them down to the nethermost pit those murderous and treacherous men; they shall not live out half their days; but I trust in You” (Psalms 55:24).
Date: 190-230 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... Here are a few examples, just from the Sermon on the Mount, with their parallel Jewish teachings: 'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.' (Matthew 5:5) and 'A good eye, a humble spirit and a moderate appetite he is of the disciples of Abraham, our father.' (Mishnah Avot 5) ..."
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