Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Meditation in the biblical context refers to the practice of deep, focused thought and reflection on God's Word, His works, and His attributes. It involves a deliberate and intentional effort to ponder, contemplate, and internalize spiritual truths. Unlike Eastern meditation, which often seeks to empty the mind, biblical meditation seeks to fill the mind with Scripture and the knowledge of God.
Biblical References:The concept of meditation is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "meditate" is "hagah," which means to murmur, ponder, or imagine. In the New Testament, meditation is implied through the practice of setting one's mind on things above and dwelling on the teachings of Christ.
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 a prosperous and obedient life.
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 associated with delight and devotion to God's law, suggesting that it is a source of joy and spiritual nourishment.
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 prayer highlights the desire for one's thoughts and meditations to be acceptable to God, indicating that meditation is an act of worship.
4.
Psalm 119:15 : "I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways." The psalmist expresses a commitment to meditate on God's commands, showing that meditation is a means of understanding and following God's ways.
5.
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 the term "meditate" is not used, the instruction to think on virtuous things 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, allowing God's Word to transform the mind and heart. Through meditation, believers can gain deeper insights into God's character and His will for their lives. It also fosters a closer relationship with God, as it involves spending intentional time in His presence.
The benefits of meditation include spiritual growth, increased wisdom, and a strengthened faith. By meditating on God's promises and truths, believers can find peace, guidance, and encouragement in their daily lives. Meditation also equips believers to resist temptation and make godly decisions, as they are continually reminded of God's Word and His standards.
Practical Application:To practice biblical meditation, believers can set aside dedicated time each day to read and reflect on Scripture. This can involve memorizing verses, journaling thoughts and prayers, and seeking to apply biblical principles to everyday situations. Meditation can be done individually or in a group setting, such as a Bible study or prayer meeting.
Incorporating meditation into one's spiritual routine can be as simple as choosing a passage of Scripture to focus on throughout the day, repeating it in prayer, and considering its implications for one's life. By doing so, believers can cultivate a habit of meditating on God's Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts, actions, and character.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Meditate.
Library
Things to beMeditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
... THE PRACTICE OF PIETY. Things to bemeditated on as thou goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and...
Of This, Then, Ye have Now Received, haveMeditated...
... Section 2. Of this, then, ye have now received, havemeditated? 2. Of this,
then, ye have now received, havemeditated, and having...
Our Lady's Candle-Mass
... Afterwards shemeditated on the greatness and glory of the Lord, with Whom she desired
to hold converse, though in her own sight she was a worthless creature....
How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those...
... may be lifted up by a measure of lamentation corresponding to the degree of the
downfall of which they are inwardly conscious; lest, ifmeditated evils torment...
Three Celebrated Mysteries.
... And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God. Henceforth all things
were in a state of tumult, because Hemeditated the abolition of death....
A Way by which one May Enter into Internal Recollection, through...
... Men Diametrically contrary one to another: The one say, That the Mysteries of the
Passion of Christ, are always to be considered andMeditated upon: The others...
There is Next to be Answered the Following Query...
... following effect: "And the Lord God, seeing that the wickedness of men upon the
earth was increasing, and that every one in his heart carefullymeditated to do...
The Second Difference Between Meditation and Contemplation.
... Look at S. Bernard, Theotimus: he hadmeditated all the passion point by point;
then of all the principal points put together he made a nosegay of loving grief...
Whether the Contemplative Life Consists in the Mere Contemplation...
... Objection 1: David sought the knowledge of God's works, so that he might be led
by them to God; wherefore he says elsewhere (Ps.142:5,6): "Imeditated on all...
After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been...
... exceeding glad, when men shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for great
is your reward in Heaven." [821] I saw the swords and Imeditated on Heaven...
Thesaurus
Meditated (6 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Meditate. Multi-Version Concordance
Meditated (6 Occurrences).
... While
I
meditated, the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue: (WEB NIV).
...Meditate (37 Occurrences)
... Acts 4:25 who hast said by the mouth of thy servant David, Why have the nations
raged haughtily and the peoplesmeditated vain things? (Root in DBY YLT)....
Wisely (60 Occurrences)
... Joshua 1:8 the book of this law doth not depart out of thy mouth, and thou hast
meditated in it by day and by night, so that thou dost observe to do according...
Meditates (2 Occurrences)
Haughtily (8 Occurrences)
... Acts 4:25 who hast said by the mouth of thy servant David, Why have the nations
raged haughtily and the peoplesmeditated vain things? (DBY)....
Star (16 Occurrences)
... It is a pleasing thought that these devout Gentiles had thus preserved andmeditated
upon the prophecy given through one who may well have been of an allied...
Magi (4 Occurrences)
... It is a pleasing thought that these devout Gentiles had thus preserved andmeditated
upon the prophecy given through one who may well have been of an allied...
Remembered (120 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 143:5 I have remembered days of
old, I havemeditated on all Thine acts, On the work of Thy hand I muse. (YLT)...
Tongue (160 Occurrences)
... Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me. While Imeditated, the fire burned: I spoke
with my tongue: (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Hot (49 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me. While Imeditated,
the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue: (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)...
Resources
Did Jesus ever travel to India? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the United Pentecostal Church? | GotQuestions.orgI overcame _______ sin. How can I avoid a relapse? | GotQuestions.orgMeditated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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