Meditating, in the biblical context, refers to the practice of deeply contemplating or reflecting on the words and teachings of Scripture. It is a spiritual discipline that involves focusing one's mind and heart on God's Word, allowing it to permeate one's thoughts and actions. This practice is rooted in the desire to understand and apply God's truth in daily life, fostering a closer relationship with Him.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of meditation is woven throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word often translated as "meditate" is "hagah," which means to murmur, ponder, or reflect. In the New Testament, meditation is implied through the encouragement to dwell on God's Word and to let it richly inhabit one's life.

Key Scriptures

1. Joshua 1:8 · "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." This verse underscores the importance of constant meditation on God's Word as a means to live obediently and successfully.

2. Psalm 1:2 · "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Here, meditation is linked with delighting in God's law, suggesting that it is both a duty and a joy for the believer.

3. Psalm 19:14 · "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." This verse highlights the desire for one's meditations to be acceptable to God, indicating that meditation is an act of worship.

4. Philippians 4:8 · "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." While not using the word "meditate," this passage encourages believers to focus their thoughts on virtuous and godly things, which aligns with the practice of meditation.

Purpose and Benefits

Meditation serves several purposes in the life of a believer. It aids in the internalization of Scripture, helping individuals to memorize and recall God's promises and commands. It also facilitates spiritual growth by allowing believers to discern God's will and align their lives with His purposes. Through meditation, Christians can experience peace, as they are reminded of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Practical Application

To meditate biblically, one might begin by selecting a passage of Scripture and reading it slowly and thoughtfully. Reflecting on the meaning of the text, asking questions, and considering its application to one's life are key components of meditation. Prayer is often intertwined with meditation, as believers seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and illumination.

Historical and Theological Context

Throughout church history, meditation has been a valued practice among devout Christians. The early church fathers, monastic communities, and reformers all emphasized the importance of meditating on Scripture. The practice is seen as a means of sanctification, drawing believers closer to God and transforming their minds to reflect Christ's likeness.

Challenges and Misunderstandings

In contemporary times, meditation can be misunderstood due to its association with Eastern religious practices. Biblical meditation differs significantly, as it is centered on God's Word rather than emptying the mind or seeking enlightenment apart from God. It is a focused, intentional engagement with Scripture, aimed at spiritual edification and communion with God.Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Topicalbible.org

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night.
Topicalbible.org

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Topicalbible.org

(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Meditate.3307. yapheach -- breathing or puffing out
... such as breathe out. From yaphach; properly, puffing, ie (figuratively) meditating --
such as breathe out. see HEBREW yaphach. 3306, 3307. yapheach. 3308 . ...
/hebrew/3307.htm - 6k

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... THE BENEFITS IT CONFERS, AND THE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM IT. CHAPTER 9. OF
MEDITATING ON THE FUTURE LIFE. OF MEDITATING ON THE FUTURE LIFE. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of meditating on.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... CHAPTER IV. OF MEDITATING ON THE FUTURE LIFE. The three divisions of
this chapter,"I. The principal use of the cross is, that ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iv of meditating on.htm

The Teaching of Contemplative Life in Praying, Meditating, Fasting ...
... BOOK II CHAPTER II THE TEACHING OF CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE IN PRAYING, MEDITATING, FASTING,
AND WAKING: AND OF THE PROUD CONTEMPLATIVE: AND OF TRUE AND VERY GHOSTLY ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter ii the teaching of.htm

On the Unspeakable Advantages to be Derived from Meditating on the ...
... PART THE FIRST. CHAPTER XIV. On The Unspeakable Advantages to Be Derived
From Meditating on The Divine Passion. The Servant."Truly ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xiv on the unspeakable.htm

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... BOOK II CHAPTER VI OF DIVERS GIFTS OF GOD'S CHOSEN: AND HOW SAINTS COME TO LOVE
IN PRAYING, MEDITATING, LOVING, SUFFERING, ADVERSITY AND HATING VICE, AND THAT ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

A Way by which one May Enter into Internal Recollection, through ...
... then it follows, not from hence neither, that the Soul accustomed to internal
recollection, that can no longer ratiocinate, should always be meditating on, and ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xvi a way by.htm

Meditation.
... undeniable fact. Meditating upon God and his law is an excellent means
of increasing spiritual life in the soul. Vagrant thoughts ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/meditation.htm

But Since the Fourth Passover of the Persecution Has Arrived...
... And when they shall have, during these days, exercised themselves much, and constantly
fasted, then let them watch in prayer, meditating upon what was spoken ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon i but since the.htm

How the Mother of Christ and St John the Evangelist Appeared to ...
... Having made this agreement, it happened one day, as Brother Peter was praying, devoutly
meditating on the Passion of Christ, and how his Blessed Mother, with ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xliv how the mother.htm

The Second Difference Between Meditation and Contemplation.
... In meditating, we as it were count the divine perfections which we find
in a mystery, but in contemplating we sum up their total. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v the second difference.htm

Meditating (2 Occurrences)
...Meditating (2 Occurrences). ... (DBY YLT). Psalms 39:3 Hot 'is' my heart within me, In
my meditating doth the fire burn, I have spoken with my tongue. (YLT). ...
/m/meditating.htm - 7k

Meditation (15 Occurrences)

/m/meditation.htm - 12k

Watchings (3 Occurrences)
... (2 Corinthians 6:5), lit. "sleeplessnesses," the result of "manual labour, teaching,
travelling, meditating, praying, cares, and the like" (Meyer's Com.). ...
/w/watchings.htm - 7k

Maybe (5 Occurrences)
... 18:27 And it cometh to pass, at noon, that Elijah playeth on them, and saith, 'Call
with a loud voice, for he 'is' a god, for he is meditating, or pursuing, or ...
/m/maybe.htm - 8k

Meditateth (2 Occurrences)

/m/meditateth.htm - 7k

Playeth (5 Occurrences)
... 18:27 And it cometh to pass, at noon, that Elijah playeth on them, and saith, 'Call
with a loud voice, for he 'is' a god, for he is meditating, or pursuing, or ...
/p/playeth.htm - 7k

Premeditation (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of meditating or contriving beforehand;
previous deliberation; forethought. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/premeditation.htm - 7k

Asunder (37 Occurrences)
... (2) (nitteq): In Psalm 2 the kings and rulers, meditating rebellion against Yahweh
and His anointed, say, "Let us break their bonds asunder" (Psalm 2:3). Burst ...
/a/asunder.htm - 22k

Asleep (50 Occurrences)
... 18:27 And it cometh to pass, at noon, that Elijah playeth on them, and saith, 'Call
with a loud voice, for he 'is' a god, for he is meditating, or pursuing, or ...
/a/asleep.htm - 23k

How can I meditate on God's Word? | GotQuestions.org

What is Christian Devotional Meditation? | GotQuestions.org

What are some biblical examples of meditation? | GotQuestions.org

Meditating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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