Lexical Summary sichah: Meditation, contemplation, prayer, conversation Original Word: שִׂיחָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance meditation, prayer Feminine of siyach; reflection; be extension, devotion -- meditation, prayer. see HEBREW siyach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition complaint, musing NASB Translation meditation (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׂיחָה noun feminine id.; — absolute ׳שִׂ Psalm 119:99; Job 15:4; suffix שִׂיחָתִי Psalm 119:97; — 1 complaint: לִפְנֵיאֵֿל ׳שׂ Job 15:4 (so Bu and others, compare שִׁיחַ 1 De and others meditation, compare [גָּרֵע]). 2 (object of) musing, study: תּוֺרָה Psalm 119:97; עֵדוּת Psalm 119:99. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of Meaning שִׂיחָה (sichah) designates the deliberate, vocal or inward occupation of the mind with God—prayerful conversation, thoughtful musing, or sustained reflection on His ways. The term assumes intentionality: one chooses to turn heart and tongue toward the Lord, whether in petition, complaint, or adoration. Old Testament Usage 1. Job 15:4 – Eliphaz charges Job, “But you even undermine piety and hinder meditation before God.” By accusing Job of obstructing שִׂיחָה, Eliphaz exposes a recognized mark of true reverence: communion with God must be preserved, not stifled. Theological and Devotional Insights • Shaped by Scripture: In both Psalm occurrences, שִׂיחָה centers on divine instruction. Meditation is not empty introspection but dialogue with objective revelation, echoing Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2. Historical Context Ancient Israel practiced vocal repetition, memorization, and musical recitation to internalize Torah. The Psalms’ superscriptions, synagogue chanting, and later rabbinic traditions of daily readings trace their roots to this rhythmic engagement. Post-exilic communities, facing linguistic shifts and foreign rule, relied on such meditative rehearsal to preserve covenant identity. Early church fathers inherited the same pattern, encouraging believers to “chew” Scripture (ruminatio) in lectio continua and various hours of prayer. Ministry Application • Personal Discipleship: Encourage believers to schedule periods where spoken or whispered Scripture becomes prayer, turning reading into responsive fellowship. Christological and New Covenant Echoes In Jesus Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). New Testament meditation centers on the incarnate Word, whose life and teaching fulfill the law the Psalmist loved. The Spirit makes שִׂיחָה possible in every heart, interceding “with groans too deep for words” (Romans 8:26), and writing the law upon the mind (Hebrews 8:10). Thus the ancient practice finds its ultimate realization: unbroken communion with God through the Son by the Spirit, preparing the church for ceaseless praise in the age to come. Forms and Transliterations יחה שִׂ֝יחָ֗ה שִׂ֣יחָה שִׂיחָתִֽי׃ שיחה שיחתי׃ ·ḥāh Chah ḥāh śî·ḥā·ṯî śî·ḥāh Sichah sichaTi śîḥāh śîḥāṯîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 15:4 HEB: יִרְאָ֑ה וְתִגְרַ֥ע שִׂ֝יחָ֗ה לִפְנֵי־ אֵֽל׃ NAS: And hinder meditation before KJV: and restrainest prayer before INT: reverence and hinder meditation before God Psalm 119:97 Psalm 119:99 3 Occurrences |
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