When the Bible describes someone as humble, meek, or lowly, the Hebrew word behind it is often anav (עָנָו). But before you picture someone timid or weak, let’s dig into what this word really means.
Not Weakness, but Strength Under Control
Anav comes from the root anah (to bend, to answer, to be afflicted). It describes someone who knows their dependence on God, not someone who thinks they’re worthless.
Think of it like this: arrogance says, “I don’t need God.” False humility says, “God can’t use me.” Anav says, “I know my strength comes from Him, so I walk low, not high.”
Moses: The Anav Leader
Numbers 12:3 says:
“Now the man Moses was very meek (anav), more than all people who were on the face of the earth.”
Moses wasn’t passive. He stood before Pharaoh, split seas, and led a nation. Yet the text calls him the most anav person alive. His humility wasn’t about shyness… it was about yieldedness. He carried great authority, but he knew it wasn’t his own.
Jewish Insight
In Jewish thought, and in our Mussar practice specifically, anavah (humility) is one of the highest virtues. The rabbis describe it not as self-neglect but as making space for God and others. An anav doesn’t need to dominate the room because they’re confident God is in control.
Jesus as the True Anav
When Jesus says in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,” He’s echoing anav. He had all power, yet He chose the path of service, surrender, and obedience to the Father.
Scripture Study:
Numbers 12:3 — Moses called the most anav man
Psalm 37:11 — The anavim (humble) will inherit the land
Isaiah 29:19 — The anavim rejoice in the Lord
Matthew 11:29 — Jesus as gentle and lowly
Reflection:
How do you usually picture humility : weakness, or strength under God’s control?
What would it look like for you to practice anavah in your relationships this week?
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Does anyone know why i cant download the studies. I am a paid member?