Lexical Summary (Not Used): (Not Used) (Not Used)Part of Speech: Transliteration: (Not Used) (Not Used) Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Semantic Field The term behind Strong’s 3263 expresses deliberate mental engagement that leads to practiced skill. In secular Greek it spoke of disciplined study by rhetoricians and musicians; in the Septuagint it most often renders Hebrew words for “meditation” or “pondering.” At heart it unites concentrated thought with purposeful action, capturing the movement from reflection to implementation. Old Testament (Septuagint) Background 1. Devotional Meditation – Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:97, 99, 148 portray the righteous person whose “meditation” (LXX 3263) is the LORD’s instruction day and night. Through these passages, 3263 depicts meditation as the hinge between revelation and righteous living—thought that issues in obedience. Relationship to the New Testament Although 3263 itself never appears in the Greek New Testament, its verbal cousin (“practice/meditate”) does in 1 Timothy 4:15, where Timothy is urged, “Be diligent in these matters; immerse yourself in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.” The concept also undergirds exhortations such as Philippians 4:8 “think on these things,” Hebrews 5:14 “trained by practice,” and James 1:25 “the one who looks intently… and continues in it.” The absence of the noun form in no way diminishes the continuity of the theme; both Testaments commend sustained reflection that bears fruit in action. Theological Significance 1. Revelation and Response – Biblical meditation is never empty contemplation. It arises from God’s self-disclosure and moves toward covenant faithfulness (Psalm 119:15). Historical Reception in the Church Early fathers like Athanasius linked Psalmic meditation with doctrinal stability; monastic traditions developed fixed hours of scriptural reflection; the Reformers reclaimed meditation as the layperson’s privilege through vernacular Bibles. Puritans such as Richard Baxter taught structured “holy contemplation” that married study to practice—echoing the dual force of 3263. Ministry Applications • Expository Preaching – Sermon preparation mirrors the word’s emphasis: slow, prayerful rumination leads to clear, authoritative proclamation. Christological Focus Jesus embodies perfect meditation: “I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me” (John 8:28). He invites disciples to abide in His words (John 15:7), promising fruitfulness that reflects the intent of 3263—a life shaped from the inside out by the revealed will of God. Devotional Implications Believers longing for depth must resist hurried reading. Setting aside unfragmented time, reciting Scripture aloud, and turning truth into prayer model the biblical rhythm. Such meditation guards against doctrinal drift and nourishes perseverance (Psalm 63:6–8). Summary Strong’s 3263 highlights the indispensable link between thoughtful reflection on God’s word and practical holiness. Though the noun itself is absent from the New Testament text, its Septuagint heritage, its cognate verb in pastoral instruction, and its enduring role in church history show that meditation is neither optional nor peripheral. It remains a God-ordained means for knowing Him, conforming to Christ, and equipping the saints for every good work. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance μελῶν — 2 Occ.μέλος — 5 Occ. Μελχὶ — 2 Occ. Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ. ἔμελεν — 2 Occ. μέλει — 7 Occ. μελέτω — 1 Occ. μεμβράνας — 1 Occ. μέμφεται — 1 Occ. μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ. μὲν — 182 Occ. Μενοῦν — 1 Occ. μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ. μέντοι — 8 Occ. ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ. ἔμειναν — 2 Occ. ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ. ἔμενεν — 3 Occ. ἔμενον — 1 Occ. μεῖναι — 6 Occ. |
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