Definition and Meaning:
To contemplate is to engage in deep, reflective thought or to consider something with careful attention. In a biblical context, contemplation often involves meditating on God's Word, His nature, and His works. It is a spiritual discipline that encourages believers to focus their minds and hearts on divine truths.

Biblical References:
The practice of contemplation is rooted in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to meditate on God's Word and His attributes. In Psalm 1:2, the psalmist describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This verse highlights the importance of continuous reflection on God's commandments.

In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to focus their thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. He writes, "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 passage underscores the value of directing one's thoughts toward virtuous and godly matters.

Theological Significance:
Contemplation is a vital aspect of Christian spirituality, serving as a means to deepen one's relationship with God. Through contemplation, believers seek to understand God's will and align their lives with His purposes. It is an act of worship that involves both the mind and the heart, fostering a sense of peace and clarity.

The practice of contemplation is also linked to the concept of "renewing the mind," as mentioned in Romans 12:2: "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." By contemplating God's Word and His character, believers are transformed and equipped to discern His will.

Historical Context:
Throughout church history, contemplation has been a key component of Christian devotion. Early church fathers, such as Augustine and Gregory the Great, emphasized the importance of meditative prayer and reflection on Scripture. Monastic traditions, particularly within the Benedictine and Cistercian orders, have long practiced contemplation as a way to draw closer to God.

Practical Application:
In contemporary Christian practice, contemplation can take various forms, including prayerful meditation on Scripture, silent reflection, and focused prayer. Believers are encouraged to set aside time regularly to contemplate God's Word and His presence in their lives. This discipline can be cultivated through practices such as lectio divina, a traditional method of reading and meditating on Scripture.

Contemplation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a holistic engagement with God that involves listening, waiting, and responding to His voice. It is a means of nurturing a deeper awareness of God's presence and fostering spiritual growth.1. (v. t.) To consider carefully; to look at on all sides or in all its bearings; to view or consider with continued attention; to regard with deliberate care; to meditate on; to study.

2. (v. t.) To consider or have in view, as contingent or probable; to look forward to; to purpose; to intend.

3. (v. i.) To consider or think studiously; to ponder; to reflect; to muse; to meditate.

4648. skopeo -- to look at, contemplate
... to look at, contemplate. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: skopeo Phonetic Spelling:
(skop-eh'-o) Short Definition: regard attentively, take heed Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4648.htm - 6k

2300. theaomai -- to behold, look upon
... look upon. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: theaomai Phonetic Spelling:
(theh-ah'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I see, behold, contemplate, visit Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2300.htm - 8k

357. analogizomai -- to consider
... consider. Middle voice from analogia; to estimate, ie (figuratively) contemplate --
consider. see GREEK analogia. (analogisasthe) -- 1 Occurrence. 356, 357. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/357.htm - 7k

2334. theoreo -- to look at, gaze
... experience, discern; I partake of. 2334 (from 2300 , "to gaze, contemplate") --
gaze on for the purpose of (). [2334 () is the root of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2334.htm - 9k

7920. sekal -- to consider, contemplate
... 7919b, 7920. sekal. 7921 . to consider, contemplate. Transliteration: sekal
Phonetic Spelling: (sek-al') Short Definition: contemplating. ...
/hebrew/7920.htm - 6k

6448. pasag -- to pass between
... root Definition to pass between NASB Word Usage go through (1). consider. A primitive
root; to cut up, ie (figuratively) contemplate -- consider. 6447, 6448. ...
/hebrew/6448.htm - 5k

2372. chazah -- see, behold
... A primitive root; to gaze at; mentally, to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure);
specifically, to have a vision of -- behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. ...
/hebrew/2372.htm - 6k

Certainly we are to Contemplate in Christ Himself...
... Certainly we are to contemplate in Christ Himself? ... Certainly we are to contemplate
in Christ Himself, the chief instruction and pattern of virginal purity. ...
/.../augustine/of holy virginity /section 35 certainly we are.htm

Philosophers are not Only those that Contemplate Happiness
... THE FOURTH CENTURY 8 Philosophers are not only those that contemplate
happiness. Philosophers are not only those that contemplate ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/8 philosophers are not only.htm

In Divinity we are Entertained with all Objects from Everlasting ...
... 43 In Divinity we are entertained with all objects from everlasting to everlasting:
because with Him whose outgoings from everlasting: being to contemplate God. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/43 in divinity we are.htm

On the Negative Spirit
... It is more wholesome for this reason, that it can contemplate the idea of success
or triumph in the hopeless fight towards the ethical ideal, in what Stevenson ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/ii on the negative spirit.htm

That the Holy Light of Glory Will Serve for the Union of the ...
... unable to behold the Divinity, raises, strengthens and perfects them so excellently,
that by an incomprehensible marvel they behold and contemplate the abyss ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiv that the holy.htm

Because the Strength of the Soul is Spiritual it is Generally ...
... Infinity is but one object, almighty power is another, eternal wisdom is another
which it can contemplate; from infinity it can go to power, from power to ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/98 because the strength of.htm

Concerning Wisdom, Mind, Reason, Truth, Faith.
... We must then contemplate things Divine, after this Union, not after ourselves, but
by our whole selves, standing out of our whole selves, and becoming wholly ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput vii concerning wisdom mind.htm

Sermon for Thursday in Easter Week
... is a Master of the Eternal Good, wherefore we ought to love Him above all things;
a Master of the Highest Truth, wherefore we ought to contemplate Him; and a ...
/.../xiv sermon for thursday in.htm

All Saints' Day
... On this day we commemorate"and, as far as our dull minds will let us, contemplate"
the saints; the holy ones of God; the pure and the triumphant"be they ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

Of Contemplation in General; what it Is. ...
... for therefore, by long discourse and much practise of affection, the soul inquires
and tends to a worthy object that she may quietly contemplate it, and (if it ...
/.../chapter i of contemplation in.htm

Contemplate (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Contemplate (2 Occurrences). ... I meditate on all
your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands. (WEB). ...
/c/contemplate.htm - 7k

Meditate (37 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To contemplate; to keep the mind fixed upon; to study. ... I meditate
on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands. ...
/m/meditate.htm - 16k

Vital (2 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:19 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital
powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's ...
/v/vital.htm - 7k

Nearly (13 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:19 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital
powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's ...
/n/nearly.htm - 10k

Growing (31 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:19 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital
powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's ...
/g/growing.htm - 15k

Reflect (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To be sent back; to rebound as from a surface; to revert; to return. 5.
(vi) To throw or turn back the thoughts upon anything; to contemplate. ...
/r/reflect.htm - 9k

Ecstasy (3 Occurrences)
... overpowering emotion; an extraordinary elevation of the spirit, as when the soul,
unconscious of sensible objects, is supposed to contemplate heavenly mysteries ...
/e/ecstasy.htm - 8k

Decayed (7 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:19 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital
powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's ...
/d/decayed.htm - 8k

Powers (43 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:19 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital
powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's ...
/p/powers.htm - 20k

Barrenness (3 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:19 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital
powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's ...
/b/barrenness.htm - 10k

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