Topical Encyclopedia
The term "pondered" in the biblical context refers to the act of deep reflection or careful consideration. It is an action often associated with wisdom and understanding, as it involves meditating on God's word, His works, or the circumstances of life. The concept of pondering is integral to the biblical narrative, as it encourages believers to seek deeper insight and discernment.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the act of pondering is closely linked with wisdom literature.
Proverbs 4:26 advises, "Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm." This verse implies the importance of considering one's path carefully, a process that involves pondering one's actions and their consequences. The Hebrew word often translated as "ponder" can also mean to weigh or balance, suggesting a thoughtful evaluation.
The Psalms also reflect this theme.
Psalm 119:15 states, "I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways." Here, the psalmist expresses a commitment to pondering God's laws, indicating that such reflection is a means to understanding and living according to divine wisdom.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the act of pondering is exemplified in the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Luke 2:19 records, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." This verse highlights Mary's reflective nature as she considers the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Her pondering is an example of how believers are to meditate on the works and words of God, seeking to understand their significance.
The Apostle Paul also encourages believers to engage in thoughtful reflection. In
Philippians 4:8 , he writes, "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." This exhortation to think deeply on virtuous and praiseworthy matters aligns with the concept of pondering as a means to cultivate a Christ-like mind.
Theological ImplicationsPondering is a spiritual discipline that aligns with the biblical call to wisdom and understanding. It involves more than mere thought; it is a deliberate and prayerful consideration of God's truth and its application to life. This reflective practice is essential for spiritual growth, as it allows believers to internalize and live out the teachings of Scripture.
In the broader theological context, pondering is an act of worship and devotion. It demonstrates a heart that seeks to know God more intimately and to align one's life with His will. By engaging in this practice, believers are better equipped to discern God's guidance and to respond faithfully to His call.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, pondering can be incorporated into daily spiritual practices such as prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Setting aside time to reflect on Scripture, to consider the character and works of God, and to evaluate one's life in light of biblical truths can lead to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His purposes.
In summary, the biblical concept of pondering is a call to thoughtful reflection and meditation on God's word and works. It is a practice that fosters wisdom, understanding, and spiritual growth, encouraging believers to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Ponder.
Strong's Hebrew
239. azan -- to weigh, test, prove... 238, 239. azan. 240 . to weigh, test, prove. Transliteration: azan Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-zan') Short Definition:
pondered. Word Origin a prim.
...2803. chashab -- to think, account
... 1), impute (1), intend (2), make (2), makers (1), meant (2), mindful (1), plan
(2), planned (3), planning (5), plans (4), plotted (1),pondered (1), purposed (...
2713. chaqar -- to search
... root Definition to search NASB Word Usage ascertained (1), examines (2), find (1),
found (2), investigated (2), make a search (1),pondered (1), probe (1...
Library
Have LongPondered
... I HAVE longpondered. I HAVE longpondered this problem with such mind as
I have and all the light that God has lent me. Now, having...
A Harp of Ten Strings
... Those who heard what the shepherds said concerning the holy child Jesus wondered;
but "Mary kept all these things, andpondered them in her heart." They...
Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
... Moreover, what concerned Mary is expressly said to have remained secret,
known to herself alone andpondered over in her own heart....
In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...
... amongst women. [110] And she, when she beheld, was agitated [31] at his
word, andpondered what this salutation could be. [111] And...
Shepherds and Angels
... them by the shepherds.19. But Mary kept all these things, andpondered them
in her heart.20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying...
The Church in Theology and Literature.
... through Jesus Christ, and then bringing back into thoughtful and teachable minds
new questions to be solved and new discoveries of truth to bepondered....
His Gospel
... In the valleys where the manna fell and under the shadows of the peaks which had
burned beneath the feet of Jehovah hepondered the problem of his life....
These Words Speaketh Solomon, the Son of David the King and...
... preacher. [43] But all these things were carefullypondered by me when
entrusted with the kingdom of the Hebrews in Jerusalem. And...
Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... The venerable, thoughtful father, silentlypondered over the singular experience
of Joseph. The elder sons were shepherds, and fed their flocks in Shechem....
Elucidations
... love of such studies and especially of the Greek Fathers, and adds an expression
of the extreme gratification with which he had read andpondered the Quis...
Thesaurus
Pondered (13 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Ponder. Multi-Version Concordance
Pondered (13 Occurrences).
... (DBY).
Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and
pondered them in her heart.
...Unpondered (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 18:25 And ye have said, Notpondered is the way of the Lord. Hear,
I pray you, O house of Israel, My way -- is it notpondered?...
Ponder (10 Occurrences)
... The one New Testament passage is Luke 2:19; here the Revised Version (British and
American) has "pondering" where the King James Version has "andpondered."....
Koheleth (7 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 12:9 And further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the
people knowledge; yea, hepondered, and sought out, and'set in order many...
Unweighed (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not weighed; notpondered or considered; as, an
unweighed statement. Multi-Version Concordance Unweighed (1 Occurrence)....
Gideon (45 Occurrences)
... Gideon seems to have held this worship in contempt, and to havepondered deeply
the causes of Israel's reverses and the injuries wrought upon his own family by...
Melted (33 Occurrences)
... themselves off. (YLT). Psalms 75:3 Melted is the earth and all its inhabitants,
I -- I havepondered its pillars. Selah. (YLT). Psalms...
Ponderer (1 Occurrence)
Studied (2 Occurrences)
... never been educated?" (See RSV NIV). Psalms 111:2 Yahweh's works are great,
pondered by all those who delight in them. (See NAS RSV)....
Melt (33 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 75:3 Melted is the earth and all its inhabitants,
I -- I havepondered its pillars. Selah. (Root in YLT NAS)....
Resources
Summary of the Book of Proverbs - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWho was William of Ockham? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any evidence for the Bible's view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgPondered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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