Does The Bible Teach Meditation?

Many 'techniques' have risen to help people along the path of daily sanctification by learning how to pray and worship, which has resulted in something called contemplative spirituality, also known as meditation, centering, or listening prayer, using imagination and visualization.

Since the first century, every Born-Again Christian has a desire to draw closer to God through prayer and worship because the Holy Spirit occupies their spirit, mind, and body. Prayer is part of the daily sanctification process by the Holy Spirit to prepare us to meet Jesus face-to-face when we leave this world and enter eternity (John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:16-21).

DICTIONARY DEFINITION

The English word 'meditate' is used as both a transitive and intransitive verb. The transitive verb means to focus one's mind and reflect on or ponder over something, to plan or project in the mind: intend, purpose. The intransitive verb means to engage in contemplation, reflection, or mental exercise (such as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) to reach a heightened level of spiritual awareness (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meditate).

BIBLICAL DEFINITION

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who MEDITATES on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV – emphasis mine)

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; MEDITATE on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." (Joshua 1:8 NIV – emphasis mine)

The Hebrew word 'hagah' is translated as "meditate[s]" in the verses cited and is used 25 times in the Old Testament. It means to moan, growl, utter, speak. It is an onomatopoetic term that reflects the moaning, sighing, and low sounds a person may make while observing, studying, or thinking/contemplating deeply about something. The word is also used for expressing the "growl" of lions and the "mourning" of doves (Isaiah 31:4;38:14). When the word is used in the sense of "to mourn," it emphasizes the sorrowful sounds of mourning.

"Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching. Please do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be DILIGENT in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:11-16 NIV – emphasis mine)

The Greek word translated as "diligent/meditation" is 'meletao' and is found only twice in the New Testament. It means to care for, attend to study, plan, practice, and be diligent (1 Timothy 4:15; Acts 4:25). We are to fix our eyes and thoughts on everything that pertains to the truth about the things of the Spirit. It does not mean to mystically introspect and contemplate your navel or go on prayer walks around a labyrinth, etc. It is the polar opposite of the word 'imagining.'

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9 ESV – emphasis mine)

The word "think" (Gk: 'logízomai') is where we get the word 'logic' from and means to take into account by reason and come to a logical conclusion. It has nothing to do with the imagination, which can lead to greed, lust, covetousness, jealousy, etc., and result in physical or spiritual harm (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

"But make up your mind not to worry BEFOREHAND how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." (Luke 21:14-25 NIV – emphasis mine)

Jesus instructed the disciples not to "worry beforehand" or premeditate (Gk: 'promeletaóin') but to prepare a defense like in a courtroom to answer their adversaries when the end of the age comes.

Some have taken the word 'meditate' to mean it is the repetitious act of calling to mind life experiences, pondering upon them, and then applying Scripture verses so that they can produce confidence in God by contemplating His works in their life and His great spiritual truths as an act of worship in the hope they please Him (Psalm 19:14;63:6; 77:12;104:34; 119:15,23,27,48,78,97,148;143:5).