The Meaning of Words

Our pastor wrote this in December's bulletin, and I found it to be a very good point.

From our pastor.....
We often look to a dictionary or lexicon for insight into the words we find in Scripture. This is necessary, especially for some of the "old" words in our KJV Bible. Most times, we find several meanings and the context of the word determines which meaning is appropriate. But there is more to understanding the full meaning of words.
For example, the full meaning of AGAPE, translated as "love" or "charity" is not found in the dictionary but in the whole life of the Lord Jesus Christ. The word finds its fullest meaning at the cross.
Another word that is better defined by Scripture is the word: MEEKNESS.  The free dictionary; "A disposition to be patient and longsuffering, subdeudness, humility,...a lack of false pride." BUT also it has the nuance of "spinelessness--the quality of lacking a strong character; an irresolute disposition."
These definitions show the change in meaning over time: "meekness" in our day is not seen as a virtue. In the Bible, Moses and Jesus are said to be MEEK--patient and forbearing under provocation. But I think (just like with AGAPE) the lives of Moses and Jesus define the word "Meekness" in greater detail: "Meekness is self control under provocation and rejection; using your strength and abilities to serve others."