Cogitation
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Definition and Etymology:
Cogitation refers to the act of thinking deeply or meditating on a subject. The term is derived from the Latin "cogitatio," meaning thought or reflection. In a biblical context, cogitation involves the deliberate and contemplative consideration of spiritual truths, moral principles, and divine revelations.

Biblical Context:
The concept of cogitation is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of meditative thought in the life of a believer. While the specific term "cogitation" may not frequently appear in English translations, the practice is evident in the exhortations to meditate on God's Word and to ponder His works.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, the practice of meditation is closely related to cogitation. Joshua 1:8 instructs, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." Here, meditation involves a deep, thoughtful engagement with God's commandments, suggesting a form of cogitation that leads to understanding and obedience.

The Psalms frequently highlight the importance of meditative thought. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This continuous meditation implies a sustained cogitation on divine truths, fostering spiritual growth and stability.

New Testament Insights:
In the New Testament, cogitation is reflected in the call to renew one's mind. Romans 12:2 urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a deep, reflective process of aligning one's thoughts with God's will, a form of cogitation that leads to spiritual discernment.

Philippians 4:8 further encourages believers to focus their thoughts on virtuous and praiseworthy things: "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 directive underscores the importance of cogitation in cultivating a Christ-centered mindset.

Theological Significance:
Cogitation, as a spiritual discipline, is vital for the believer's growth in wisdom and understanding. It involves more than mere intellectual exercise; it is a heart-centered reflection that seeks to align one's thoughts with God's truth. Through cogitation, believers are equipped to discern God's will, resist worldly influences, and cultivate a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Practical Application:
Engaging in cogitation requires intentionality and discipline. Believers are encouraged to set aside time for quiet reflection on Scripture, prayer, and the works of God. This practice can be facilitated through journaling, memorization of Scripture, and participation in communal study and discussion. By prioritizing cogitation, Christians can deepen their relationship with God and enhance their spiritual maturity.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "cogitation," the practice is integral to the life of faith. Through thoughtful meditation on God's Word and His works, believers are transformed and equipped to live in accordance with His will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) The act of thinking; thought; meditation; contemplation.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
COGITATION

koj-i-ta'-shun, ra`yon, "the act of thinking or reflecting," as in Daniel 7:28, "my cogitations much troubled me" (the Revised Version (British and American) "my thoughts").

Greek
1270. dianoema -- a thought
... Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: dianoema Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-an-o'-ay-mah) Short Definition: a reasoning, thought, cogitation Definition: ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1270.htm - 7k
Strong's Hebrew
7476. rayon -- a thought
... cogitation, thought. (Aramaic) corresponding to ra'yown; a grasp. Ie (figuratively)
mental conception -- cogitation, thought. see HEBREW ra'yown. 7475, 7476. ...
/hebrew/7476.htm - 6k

6248. ashtuth -- thought
... Word Origin from ashath Definition thought NASB Word Usage holds (1). thought. From
ashath; cogitation -- thought. see HEBREW ashath. 6247, 6248. ...
/hebrew/6248.htm - 6k

8312. sarappim -- disquieting thoughts
... anxious thoughts (2). thought. For ca'iph; cogitation -- thought. see HEBREW
ca'iph. 8311, 8312. sarappim. 8313 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8312.htm - 6k

Library

Whether There are Various Actions Pertaining to the Contemplative ...
... Victor [*De Grat. Contempl. i, 3,4] distinguishes between "contemplation," "meditation,"
and "cogitation." Yet all these apparently pertain to contemplation. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are various actions.htm

Wherefore we Find, that to Learn These Things Whereof we Imbibe ...
... again, that they may be known; that is to say, they must as it were be collected
together from their dispersion: whence the word "cogitation" is derived. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xi wherefore we find.htm

That the Mind of those who Wish for Pre-Eminence for the Most Part ...
... Hence it is necessary that, when such cogitation is extended beyond wont, the mind's
eye should be recalled to works already accomplished, and that every one ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter ix that the mind.htm

Original Sin is Derived from the Faulty Condition of Human Seed.
... passage in the Book of Wisdom, "Not being ignorant that they were a naughty generation,
and that their malice was inbred, and that their cogitation would never ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 original sin is derived.htm

Introduction. virginity Classified under Three Several Species.
... necessity of the flesh (which generally is faith's antagonist at the bar of the
same inner consciousness, to which I have alluded) sets cogitation astir, faith ...
/.../chapter i introduction virginity classified under.htm

Of Fascination.
... face? a face without feeling? a face, so to say, morose? Any evil cogitation
whatsoever will be broken by the very severity. She ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter xv of fascination.htm

Now Joseph was a Carpenter, and Used to Make Nothing Else of Wood ...
... And when Jesus saw him in this state of cogitation, seeing that it was a matter
of impossibility to him, He addresses him with words of comfort, saying: Come ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 37 now joseph was.htm

Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
... of swords. My heart has no rest. It lies prostrate in the lowest place,
depressed by the weight of its cogitation. Either very rarely ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle cxxi to leander bishop.htm

What it is to Learn and to Think.
... But the mind has appropriated to itself this word [cogitation], so that not that
which is collected anywhere, but what is collected, [851] that is marshalled ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xi what it is to.htm

Extracts from the Acts. Session iv.
... Theodore the most holy bishop of Catanea, said: If the holy Gregory, vigilant [526]
in divine cogitation, was moved to tears at the sight of the story of ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/extracts from the acts session 21.htm

Thesaurus
Cogitation
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of thinking; thought; meditation;
contemplation. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COGITATION. ...
/c/cogitation.htm - 6k

Thinking (58 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The act of thinking; mode of thinking; imagination; cogitation; judgment.
Multi-Version Concordance Thinking (58 Occurrences). ...
/t/thinking.htm - 23k

Thought (821 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Think. 2. (v.) imp. & pp of Think. 3. (n.) The act of thinking;
the exercise of the mind in any of its higher forms; reflection; cogitation. ...
/t/thought.htm - 8k

Cogitations (1 Occurrence)

/c/cogitations.htm - 6k

Coffin (2 Occurrences)

/c/coffin.htm - 7k

Resources
Cogitation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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