Strong's Lexicon meletaó: To meditate, to care for, to practice, to study Original Word: μελετάω Word Origin: Derived from μέλος (melos), meaning "limb" or "member," suggesting the idea of care or attention to detail. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H1897 - הָגָה (hagah): Often translated as "meditate," "mutter," or "speak," this Hebrew word shares a similar emphasis on meditation and thoughtful reflection, particularly in the context of the Scriptures (e.g., Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2). Usage: The verb "meletaó" primarily conveys the idea of careful consideration, meditation, or diligent practice. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the act of giving thoughtful attention to something, often in the context of spiritual or moral reflection. It implies a deliberate and focused effort to understand or internalize a concept or practice. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of meditation or careful study was highly valued, particularly in philosophical and rhetorical traditions. The practice of meditation was not only about intellectual engagement but also about moral and spiritual formation. In the Jewish tradition, meditation on the Scriptures was a central aspect of religious life, emphasizing the importance of internalizing God's Word and living according to His commandments. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3191 meletáō – properly, to care for, attend to; hence be diligent, especially to ponder (study). See 3199 (melei). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom meleté (care) Definition to care for, practice, study NASB Translation devise (1), take pains (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3191: μελετάωμελετάω, μελέτω; 1 aorist ἐμελέτησα; (from μελέτη care, practice); especially frequent in Greek writings from Sophocles and Thucydides down; the Sept. chiefly for הָגָה; to care for, attend to carefully, practise: τί, 1 Timothy 4:15 (R. V. be diligent in); to meditate equivalent to to devise, contrive: Acts 4:25 from Psalm 2:1; used by the Greeks of the meditative pondering and the practice of orators and rhetoricians, as μελετᾶν τήν ἀπολογίαν ὑπέρ ἑαυτῶν, Demosthenes, p. 1129, 9 (cf. Passow, under the word, d. (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 2 and III. 4 b.)), which usage seems to have been in the writer's mind in Mark 13:11 (R L brackets Compare: προμελετάω). From a presumed derivative of melo; to take care of, i.e. (by implication) revolve in the mind -- imagine, (pre-)meditate. see GREEK melo Englishman's Concordance Acts 4:25 V-AIA-3PGRK: καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά NAS: AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? KJV: and the people imagine vain things? INT: and peoples did devise vain things 1 Timothy 4:15 V-PMA-2S Strong's Greek 3191 |
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