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There is a certain difference between meditating and contemplating. The latter word is not used in the AV. It is used in the JND version in John 1: 14 " we have contemplated his glory" and in 1 John 1:1 "that which we contemplated". Contemplated points to what is before us; what we see. Meditation points rather to what we have read or heard and may not be immediately before us. Contemplation usually affects our emotions as when we absorb a beautiful view. Meditation however involves exercising our intelligence. Those who go into a monastery or nunnery and take up what is sometimes called the contemplative life do not as far as can be seen increase in spiritual intelligence. They are more likely to get lost in 'the cloud of unknowing'. I refer to a mystical book of that title written in the middle ages. As to the passages quoted above it would appear that JND uses the word contemplated rather than behold as does the AV to distinguish the contemplation from the previous word 'seen'. The latter means more than simply seen and is defined by Vine as 'behold, view attentively or contemplate'. The disciples not only heard and saw Jesus (as many people did), but being with him for several years were able to get to know him in an intimate way by both continuously seeing him at close quarters and handling him. |
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The words meditate, think, ponder and contemplate may be said to overlap one another. However, it is wise to note differences where Scripture makes them. |
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Every Christian has his strengths and weaknesses. Some may be great Bible readers; others great men (or women) of prayer, and so on. However, the writer of this article would have to acknowledge that he has been much blessed over the years through meditation. Some things he has meditated on for something like half a century before they have become clear to him, but they have through grace in the end. The practice of meditation he can therefore recommend to his readers - see Proverbs 2:1-9. |
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The foregoing remarks have concerned our meditation in the things of God. We may of course meditate some times on other things, but whenever we do we should bear in mind Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, amiable and of good report. It is a question of what our minds are to be occupied with. Being occupied with evil can be damaging spiritually and should be avoided. Our minds should be pure (1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Peter 3:1) as well as our lives (James 1:27). |
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July 1999 |
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Note: Meditation as spoken of above should not be confused with what is usually called transcendental meditation; something practised by the adherents of certain eastern religions. |
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