{
  "id": "dict_003559",
  "term": "Meditate",
  "slug": "meditate",
  "letter": "M",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "In Scripture, to meditate is to think deeply and continually on God, his works, and his Word. Biblical meditation is attentive reflection that leads to trust, obedience, and worship.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "In the Bible, meditation usually refers to deliberate reflection on the Lord, his character, his mighty acts, and especially his Word. It is not presented as emptying the mind, but as filling the mind with truth and turning it over carefully before God. Biblical meditation is meant to shape the heart and direct the believer toward faithfulness and prayer.",
  "description_academic_full": "To meditate in a biblical sense is to ponder, rehearse, and dwell thoughtfully on God and what he has said and done. Scripture commonly connects meditation with God's law, works, testimonies, and promises, showing that it is an intentional focusing of the mind and heart on divine truth. This reflection is not an end in itself; it is meant to deepen reverence, wisdom, stability, prayer, and obedience. While English usage may include broader religious or therapeutic ideas, a Bible dictionary entry should define meditation according to Scripture's own pattern: sustained reflection on the Lord and his Word that forms godly living.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "In Scripture, to meditate is to think deeply and continually on God, his works, and his Word. Biblical meditation is attentive reflection that leads to trust, obedience, and worship.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/meditate/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/meditate.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}