Meet
The Concept of What Is Fitting
The biblical term 'meet' (from Hebrew and Greek words meaning 'right,' 'worthy,' 'fitting,' or 'proper') represents a fundamental ethical concept throughout Scripture. It describes actions, attitudes, and offerings that align with God's character and purposes. Unlike modern casual usage, the biblical concept carries significant moral and spiritual weight, indicating conformity to divine standards rather than mere social appropriateness.
Old Testament Foundations
In the Hebrew Scriptures, multiple terms convey the idea of what is 'meet.' The word yashar (straight, upright, right) appears in passages like 2 Kings 10:3, where Jehu challenges the leaders of Samaria to choose the 'meetest' (most fitting) candidate to rule. Jeremiah uses this concept when he declares, "As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you" (Jeremiah 26:14). The term yosher (what is just) appears in Proverbs 11:24 regarding proper distribution. The concept extends to warfare (Deuteronomy 3:18 describes 'men meet for war'), worship (Exodus 8:26 discusses sacrifices 'meet for the Egyptians'), and practical usefulness (Ezekiel 15:4-5 questions whether wood is 'meet for any work').
New Testament Development
The New Testament builds on this foundation with Greek terms emphasizing worthiness and appropriateness. Axios (worthy) appears in John the Baptist's call for 'fruits meet for repentance' (Matthew 3:8) and Paul's description of 'works meet for repentance' (Acts 26:20). Paul uses euchrēstos (useful) to describe vessels 'meet for the master's use' (2 Timothy 2:21). The concept applies to financial support (1 Corinthians 16:4), thanksgiving (2 Thessalonians 1:3), and Paul's own sense of unworthiness despite his apostleship (1 Corinthians 15:9). Jesus employs the idea in the parable of the prodigal son, where celebration is 'meet' for the returned brother (Luke 15:32).
Ethical and Practical Applications
Biblical 'meetness' encompasses both character and action. It involves producing 'fruits' that demonstrate genuine transformation (Matthew 3:8), engaging in 'works' that evidence repentance (Acts 26:20), and developing usefulness for God's purposes (2 Timothy 2:21). The concept serves as a practical measure for evaluating whether one's life aligns with professed faith. It moves beyond theoretical belief to tangible expression in relationships, stewardship, and service.
Theological Implications
The requirement for what is 'meet' highlights the gap between human capability and divine standards. While the Old Testament shows the ideal, the New Testament reveals how Christ enables believers to become 'meet' through His work. Paul declares that God 'hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light' (Colossians 1:12). This transformation occurs not through human effort alone but through God's gracious work in believers, making them fit for His purposes and kingdom.
Biblical Context
The concept of 'meet' appears throughout Scripture, beginning with the Pentateuch (Exodus 8:26; Deuteronomy 3:18) and continuing through historical books (2 Kings 10:3; Esther 2:9), wisdom literature (Proverbs 11:24; Job 34:31), and prophets (Jeremiah 26:14; Ezekiel 15:4-5). In the New Testament, it features in the Gospels (Matthew 3:8; Luke 15:32), Acts (26:20), Pauline epistles (1 Corinthians 15:9; Colossians 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:21), and general epistles (2 Peter 1:13). The term consistently evaluates whether people, actions, or offerings align with God's standards.
Theological Significance
The biblical concept of 'meet' reveals important theological truths about God's character and human responsibility. It demonstrates that God has standards of righteousness and appropriateness, and that He calls people to align with those standards. The concept highlights the connection between internal transformation and external evidence, particularly in the New Testament emphasis on 'fruits meet for repentance.' Most significantly, it points to humanity's inability to make themselves 'meet' for God's presence and purposes, while simultaneously revealing God's gracious work in transforming believers to become 'meet' through Christ (Colossians 1:12). This tension between divine requirement and divine provision lies at the heart of biblical soteriology.
Historical Background
Ancient Near Eastern cultures shared concepts of propriety and fitness, particularly in ritual contexts. Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Canaanite religions all had standards for appropriate offerings and priestly conduct. However, Israel's understanding of what was 'meet' was distinctive in its connection to Yahweh's covenant and ethical character. Greek philosophical traditions, particularly Stoicism and Aristotelian ethics, also developed concepts of appropriateness (to prepon) and worthiness (axios), which provided linguistic and conceptual bridges for New Testament writers communicating to Hellenistic audiences. The biblical concept differs from these philosophical systems by grounding 'meetness' in relationship with the covenant God rather than abstract principles.