Lexical Summary haguth: Meditation, reflection, murmuring Original Word: הָגוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance meditation From hagah; musing -- meditation. see HEBREW hagah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hagah Definition meditation, a musing NASB Translation meditation (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs הָגוּת noun feminine meditation, musing, only construct (with firm ָ֯ compare Sta§ 304 c) לִבִּי ׳מִּי יְדַבֵּר חָכְמוֺת וְה תְבוּנוֺת Psalm 49:4 my mouth shall speak wisdom, and the musing of my heart shall be understanding. Topical Lexicon Semantic Nuance and Connotations הָגוּת (hāgūth) denotes an inward, vocalized pondering—an audible murmuring that accompanies reflective thought. Unlike abstract contemplation, the term captures the low‐voiced repetition of truth until it is assimilated in the heart. This shading links it to a devotional discipline that integrates mind, emotion, and will. Biblical Occurrence Psalm 49:3 situates the word within a wisdom psalm: “My mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding” (Berean Standard Bible). The psalmist pairs spoken wisdom with internal hāgūth, illustrating the inseparable bond between careful inward rumination and true outward instruction. Historical and Literary Context Psalm 49 addresses both rich and poor, urging hearers to consider the fleeting nature of wealth and the certainty of death. In this context, hāgūth functions as the engine driving discernment; the psalmist’s authority rests on sustained, God‐centered reflection rather than social status. Ancient Israelite worship encouraged such meditation, often in communal settings where Scripture was recited aloud (Deuteronomy 31:11). Hāgūth would have echoed through temple courts and family gatherings alike, nurturing a culture where truth was savored and rehearsed. Theological Significance 1. Revelation Internalized: The term highlights that divine wisdom must move from external proclamation to internalization. Words heard become principles lived only after deliberate meditation (compare Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2). Related Hebrew Concepts • הָגָה (hāgāh) – to mutter or meditate, emphasizing the act of speaking under one’s breath (Psalm 1:2). Hāgūth stands at the intersection of these ideas, stressing both the vocal and reflective aspects of devotion. Christological Implications Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect meditation, responding to Satan’s temptations with Scripture stored in the heart (Matthew 4:4–10). The incarnate Word demonstrates that hāgūth finds ultimate fulfillment in Him who is Wisdom personified (Colossians 2:3). Believers united to Christ by faith inherit both the responsibility and the enabling grace to meditate on God’s Word day and night. Practical Ministry Application • Preaching and Teaching: Ministers should cultivate hāgūth so that sermons flow from Scripture carefully digested, offering congregations wisdom tested in the inner life. Spiritual Formation Hāgūth is an antidote to hurried spirituality. In a world of incessant noise, audible meditation retrains attention, anchoring thoughts in what is “true, honorable, and right” (Philippians 4:8). Practiced consistently, it cultivates a steadfast mind, deep joy, and resilient faith. Summary Though appearing only once, הָגוּת encapsulates the biblical pattern of wisdom gained through rumination on God’s revelation. From ancient Israel’s temple courts to today’s prayer closets, the gentle murmur of Scripture continues to shape hearts, sharpen understanding, and equip the saints for every good work. Forms and Transliterations וְהָג֖וּת והגות vehaGut wə·hā·ḡūṯ wəhāḡūṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 49:3 HEB: יְדַבֵּ֣ר חָכְמ֑וֹת וְהָג֖וּת לִבִּ֣י תְבוּנֽוֹת׃ NAS: wisdom, And the meditation of my heart KJV: of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart INT: will speak of wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding 1 Occurrence |
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