Premeditation refers to the act of planning or considering an action beforehand, often with a focus on wrongful or sinful intentions. In the context of biblical teachings, premeditation is frequently associated with sin, particularly when it involves deliberate planning to commit acts that are contrary to God's commandments.

Old Testament Context

The concept of premeditation is evident in several Old Testament narratives, where individuals or groups plan evil deeds. One notable example is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 37:18-20 , Joseph's brothers conspire against him: "When Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. 'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to one another. 'Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!'"

The premeditated nature of their actions highlights the severity of their sin, as they consciously chose to harm their brother out of jealousy and spite.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, premeditation is addressed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes the importance of the heart's intentions, teaching that sin begins with internal thoughts and desires. In Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus expands on the commandment against murder: "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

This teaching underscores that premeditated anger and hatred are akin to the act of murder itself, as they originate from a sinful heart.

Moral and Ethical Implications

Premeditation in the Bible is often linked to moral and ethical considerations. The deliberate planning of sinful actions is condemned because it reflects a willful rebellion against God's law. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the Lord hates, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes." This highlights the gravity of premeditated sin, as it involves a conscious decision to act against divine principles.

Legal and Judicial Aspects

In biblical law, premeditation plays a role in distinguishing between different types of offenses. For instance, the Mosaic Law differentiates between accidental and premeditated murder. Numbers 35:20-21 states, "If anyone maliciously pushes another or throws an object at him with intent to kill, or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand so that he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood is to put him to death when he finds him."

This distinction underscores the seriousness of premeditated actions and the corresponding consequences under the law.

Spiritual Reflection

From a spiritual perspective, premeditation calls for introspection and repentance. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and align their thoughts with God's will. Psalm 19:14 serves as a prayerful reflection: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

In summary, premeditation in the Bible is a significant concept that addresses the intentional planning of sinful actions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's heart and mind with God's commandments and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.(n.) The act of meditating or contriving beforehand; previous deliberation; forethought.1847. daath -- knowledge
... Word Origin from yada Definition knowledge NASB Word Usage concern (1), know (3),
knowledge (81), premeditation (2), skill (1), truth (1), unintentionally* (2 ...
/hebrew/1847.htm - 6k

Whether Man Without Grace Can Avoid Sin?
... iii); although with premeditation of his reason a man may do something outside the
order of his preconceived end and the inclination of his habit. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether man without grace can.htm

Successful Methods of Public Speaking
... superficial.". Burke, like all great orators, believed in premeditation, and
always wrote and corrected his speeches with fastidious care. ...
/.../successful methods of public speaking/successful methods of public speaking.htm

Against what Has Been Advanced in the Preceding Pages...
... To preach without premeditation, is altogether unjustifiable; although there is
no doubt that a man of habitual readiness of mind, may express himself to the ...
/.../ware/hints on extemporaneous preaching/chapter ii against what has.htm

The Struggle for Life
... existence, and, entering a path where the possibilities of development are infinite,
has been pushed on from stage to stage, without premeditation, or design ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

Of the Special Prayers of them that be Continual Workers in the ...
... But their special prayers rise evermore suddenly unto God, without any means or
any premeditation in special coming before, or going therewith. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the seven and 2.htm

A Nickname Accepted
... brave men, anonymous fugitives belonging to the little Church in Jerusalem, had
come down to Antioch; and there, without premeditation, without authority ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a nickname accepted.htm

The Most Ordinary Things are Channels of Grace.
... be chosen but what is actually present, or else by a sudden impulse, a sort of
supernatural feeling that impels the soul to act without premeditation; or, in ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section iv the most ordinary things.htm

Letter xvi. --Explanation of Apparent Despair.
... One ought, without doubt, to prevent good souls from making use of expressions,
coolly and with premeditation, which seem to savour of despair; but it would be ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xvi explanation of apparent despair.htm

Further Use Made of the System of the Phrygians; Mode of ...
... Whence likewise they assert, that those exhibiting themselves in
theatres,"not even these say or do anything without premeditation. ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter iv further use made of.htm

Death of the Tyrants Magnentius and Silvanus the Apostate. ...
... with the acclamations usually paid to emperors, and were ready to shout at his public
appearance, they secretly and without premeditation shouted for ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter vii death of the tyrants.htm

Premeditation (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Premeditation (2 Occurrences). Joshua 20:3 that the manslayer
who kills any person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there. ...
/p/premeditation.htm - 7k

Unawares (14 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) Without design or preparation; suddenly; without
premeditation, unexpectedly. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/u/unawares.htm - 10k

Forecast (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Previous contrivance or determination; predetermination. 5. (n.) Foresight
of consequences, and provision against them; prevision; premeditation. Int. ...
/f/forecast.htm - 8k

Forethought (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Planning beforehand; prescience;
premeditation; forecast; provident care. 2. (a.) Thought of, or ...
/f/forethought.htm - 7k

Murder (41 Occurrences)
... der (haragh, "to smite," "destroy," "kill," "slay" (Psalm 10:8 Hosea 9:13 AV), ratsach,
"to dash to pieces," "kill," especially with premeditation (Numbers 35 ...
/m/murder.htm - 24k

Premeditate (1 Occurrence)

/p/premeditate.htm - 7k

Aforethought (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Premeditated; prepense; previously in mind; designed; as, malice aforethought,
which is required to constitute murder. 2. (n.) Premeditation. ...
/a/aforethought.htm - 8k

Premillennial

/p/premillennial.htm - 23k

Premeditation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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