Hebrew and Greek Definitions of Meditation

Following are Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance numbers for six key words translated “meditate” and “meditation”: H1897, H7881, H1902, H7878, H7879 and G3191. We will explore the precise definition of each of these words below (approximately 68 verses).

hâgâh (H1897) haw-gaw'

1. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – Definition: To murmur (in pleasure or anger); to ponder, imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, speak, study, talk, utter
2. Brown-Driver-Briggs – Definition: To moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak, roar, groan, imagine
3. King James Concordance – Total KJV Occurrences of H1897: 24, which are translated as:

• meditate, 6 (Jos_1:8, Psa_1:2, Psa_63:6, Psa_77:12, Psa_143:5, Isa_33:18)
• mourn, 4 (Isa_16:7, Isa_38:14, Isa_59:11, Jer_48:31)
• speak, 3 (Psa_35:28, Pro_8:7 (2))
• imagine, 2 (Psa_2:1, Psa_38:12)
• studieth, 2 (Pro_15:28, Pro_24:2)
• mutter, 1 (Isa_8:19)
• muttered, 1 (Isa_59:3)
• roaring, 1 (Isa_31:3-4 (2))
• speaketh, 1 (Psa_37:30)
• talk, 1 (Psa_71:24)
• utter, 1 (Job_27:4)
• uttering, 1 (Isa_59:13)

śı̂ychâh (H7881) see-khaw'

1. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – Definition: Reflection, devotion, meditation, prayer
2. Brown-Driver-Briggs – Definition: Meditation, reflection, prayer, devotion, complaint, musing, study
3. King James Concordance – Total KJV Occurrences: 2, which are translated as:

• meditation, 2 (2 Psa_119:97, Psa_119:99)

higgâyôn (H1902) hig-gaw-yone'

1. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – Definition: A murmuring sound, a musical notation, meditation, solemn sound
2. Brown-Driver-Briggs – Definition: Meditation, resounding music, musing, plotting
3. King James Concordance – Total KJV Occurrences: 4, which are translated as:

• device, 1 (Lam_3:62)
• higgaion, 1 (not translated - Psa_9:16)
• meditation, 1 (Psa_19:14)
• sound, 1 (Psa_92:3)

śı̂yach (H7878) see'-akh (A primitive root)

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – Definition: To ponder, converse (with oneself, and hence aloud), utter, commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs – Definition: To put forth, meditate, muse, commune, speak, complain, ponder, sing, to complain, to talk, consider, put forth thoughts
2. King James Concordance – Total KJV Occurrences: 21, which are translated as:  

• meditate, 5 (Psa_119:15, Psa_119:23, Psa_119:48, Psa_119:78, Psa_119:148)
• talk, 5 (1Ch_16:9, Psa_77:12, Psa_105:2, Psa_119:27, Pro_6:22)
• speak, 4 (Jdg_5:10, Job_12:8, Psa_69:12, Psa_145:5)
• commune, 1 (Psa_77:5-6 (2))
• complain, 1 (Job_7:11)
• complained, 1 (Psa_77:3)
• declare, 1 (Isa_53:8)
• muse, 1 (Psa_143:5)
• pray, 1 (Psa_55:17)
• prayer, 1 (Job_15:4)

śı̂yach (H7879) see'-akh (From the root word H7878, same spelling)

1. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – Definition: Contemplation, utterance, babbling, communication, complaint, meditation, prayer, talk
2. Brown-Driver-Briggs – Definition: Meditation, complaint, musing, plaint, complaint, musing, anxiety, trouble, talk
3. King James Concordance – Total KJV Occurrences: 14, which are translated as:

• complaint, 9 (1Sa_1:16, Job_7:13, Job_9:27, Job_10:1, Job_21:4, Psa_55:2 (2), Psa_142:1-2 (2))
• babbling, 1 (Pro_23:29)
• communication, 1 (2Ki_9:11)
• meditation, 1 (Psa_104:34)
• prayer, 1 (Psa_64:1)
• talking, 1 (1Ki_18:27)

This is a Greek word - meletaō (G3191) mel-et-ah'-o

1. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – Definition: To take care of, revolve in the mind, imagine
2. Thayer’s Greek Definitions: To care for, attend to carefully, practice, to meditate, devise, contrive
3. King James Concordance – Total KJV Occurrences: 3, which are translated as:

• imagine, 1  (Act_4:25)
• meditate, 1 (1Ti_4:15)
• premeditate, 1 (Mar_13:11) 

Blogs On Meditation and Using the Eyes of Your Heart as You Approach God

1. How to Meditate on Scripture & Receive Life-Transforming Revelation
2. Hebrew and Greek Definitions of Meditation
3. Western Study Versus Biblical Meditation
4. 7 Step Meditation Process Explored
5. 7 Step Meditation Bookmark (shown at right)
6. Healing Scriptures for Meditation
7. 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice
8. What Does the Bible Teach about Visualization?
9. You Can See Visions! They Are a Pathway to God
10. Poised Before Almighty God
11. Lord, When Is “Priming The Pump” Acceptable and Unacceptable?
12. Initiative - Should I Take It? by Charity Kayembe
13. Help! I Have Trouble Seeing Vision!
14. Protestantism's 500-Year-Old  Bitter Root Judgment and Inner Vow (a chance to repent)
15. Training Your Child to Encounter Jesus - Godly Imagination & Visions
16. How to Receive Revelation Knowledge

Books And Courses On Meditation And Spiritual Formation

1. Hearing God Through Biblical Meditation book
2. Meditation: How to Study the Bible in the Presence of God ebook
3. The Art of Biblical Meditation Interactive Online Course from School of the Spirit
4. Training Package - 4 Keys To Hearing God's Voice (One key is to use vision)
5. Training Package - Hear God Through Your Dreams (Dreams utilize imagery)
6. Book - Am I Being Deceived? (Difference between New Agers and Christians)
7. Book  - Secret Place (Examples of God painting beautiful scenes during prayer times)
8. Divine Healing Toolbox CD/DVD Set (using vision while praying for healing)
9. Training Package - Prayers That Heal the Heart (Inner healing prayer utilizes vision)
10. Sound Doctrine Through Revelation Knowledge by Mark and Patti Virkler – an alternative to traditional hermeneutics.
11. The Great Mystery – Christ in You by Mark and Patti Virkler – Explores all New Testament verses that describe what Jesus provides for you through His indwelling Spirit.
12. How to Walk by the Spirit by Mark and Patti Virkler – Explores Scriptures concerning the heart
13. Intimacy with the Holy Spirit by Mark and Patti Virkler– Explores Scriptures concerning the Holy Spirit
14. How Do You Know? by Mark and Patti Virkler – Explores hundreds of verses which reveal God’s prescribed methodology for discovering truth.