The term "ponders" in the biblical context refers to the act of deep contemplation or careful consideration, often in relation to spiritual or moral matters. This concept is significant in Scripture, as it reflects the importance of thoughtful reflection on God's Word and His ways.

Biblical Usage and Context

The act of pondering is frequently associated with wisdom and understanding. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "ponder" is "פָּלַס" (palas), which means to weigh or consider carefully. This is seen in the wisdom literature, where pondering is linked to the pursuit of knowledge and discernment.

Proverbs 4:26 : "Make level paths for your feet, and all your ways will be sure." This verse encourages believers to ponder their paths, ensuring that their actions align with God's will. The act of making level paths implies careful consideration and planning, which is essential for a righteous life.

Proverbs 21:2 : "All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart." Here, the Lord's weighing of the heart can be seen as a divine form of pondering, where God examines the true intentions and motivations behind human actions. This underscores the importance of aligning one's heart with God's truth.

Mary's Pondering

In the New Testament, the act of pondering is exemplified by Mary, the mother of Jesus. After the shepherds visit and share the angelic message about Jesus, Mary treasures these events and ponders them in her heart.

Luke 2:19 : "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Mary's response to the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth highlights the importance of meditative reflection on God's works and promises. Her pondering signifies a deep, personal engagement with the divine revelation she has received.

Spiritual Implications

Pondering is a spiritual discipline that encourages believers to engage deeply with Scripture and the truths of the faith. It involves more than mere intellectual consideration; it is a heartfelt reflection that seeks to understand and apply God's Word in one's life.

Psalm 119:15 : "I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways." This verse illustrates the connection between pondering and meditation, emphasizing the believer's commitment to understanding and living according to God's commandments.

Practical Application

For Christians, pondering is an essential practice for spiritual growth and maturity. It involves setting aside time to reflect on Scripture, pray, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By pondering God's Word, believers can gain insight into His character, will, and purposes, leading to a more faithful and obedient walk with Him.

In summary, the biblical concept of pondering is a call to thoughtful reflection and meditation on God's Word and works. It is a practice that fosters spiritual discernment and alignment with God's will, as exemplified by figures like Mary and encouraged throughout Scripture.2664. chaphas -- to search
... root Definition to search NASB Word Usage devise (1), disguise (2), disguised (5),
distorted (1), examine (1), hide (1), ponders (1), ransacked (1), search (6 ...
/hebrew/2664.htm - 6k

1897. hagah -- to moan, growl, utter, speak, muse
... 1), devise (2), devising (1), growls (1), make a sound (1), meditate (5), meditates
(1), moan (3), moan sadly (1), mutter (2), mutters (1), ponders (1), utter ...
/hebrew/1897.htm - 6k

On the Physical Basis of Life.
... Such objections as these must, I think, arise in the mind of every one who ponders,
for the first time, upon the conception of a single physical basis of life ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/vii on the physical basis.htm

A Word in the Prayer.
... light. The mind dwells lovingly on His parables, ponders deeply His sayings,
lingers tenderly over His words. WE WELCOME THE WORD. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter i a word in.htm

Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ...
... of creation. He ponders the mode of creation and shows that it was de
nihilo and involved no alteration in the being of God. He ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eleven the eternal creator.htm

The Use of Fear in Religion.
... He who reads, and ponders, the whole Sermon on the Mount, is painfully conscious
that Christ has put a meaning into the Mosaic law that renders it a far more ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/shedd/sermons to the natural man/the use of fear in.htm

The Necessity of Other Preparatory Acts Besides Faith
... James II, 17: "So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself."(823) No
one who ponders these and similar texts can maintain, as Calvin and Melanchthon ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 2 the necessity of.htm

The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ...
... The carnal mind, when once it has perceived the power of God in the creation, stops
there, and, at the farthest, thinks and ponders on nothing else than the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 the world created.htm

The Circumcision of Christ: a Hymn for New Year's Day. So Teach us ...
... Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! Who ponders oft on thee, is wise,.
All fleshly lusts will he despise,. The world finds place with him no more; ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/the circumcision of christ a.htm

And Why Should we Add Many Words Concerning those who are Sisted ...
... eternally. Each ponders [1990] the question as to what answer he shall give
to the righteous Judge for his deeds, whether good or bad. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece xxxix and why should.htm

Evening Prayer an Evening Thanksgiving.
... Hast Thou check'd that once alarm'd me,. So that nought to-day has harm'd me.
Yes, our wisdom vainly ponders,. Fathoms not Thy loving thought; ...
/.../evening prayer an evening thanksgiving.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... But alas! who ponders it in their hearts? And until ye think more seriously upon
it, ye will never be serious in the search for reparation of it. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

Ponders (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ponders (3 Occurrences). Psalms 77:6 I remember
my song in the night. I consider in my own heart; my spirit ...
/p/ponders.htm - 7k

Ponds (6 Occurrences)

/p/ponds.htm - 8k

Ponderer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who ponders. Multi-Version Concordance
Ponderer (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 24:12 When thou sayest ...
/p/ponderer.htm - 6k

Pondering (6 Occurrences)

/p/pondering.htm - 8k

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