What Does Meditating on God’s Word Really Mean?
- Chad Fisher
- Aug 15
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 24
By Pastor Chad Fisher, sharing biblical insights to inspire and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
Quick Answer: Biblical meditation is not emptying the mind but filling it with God’s Word until it reshapes thoughts, renews the mind, and directs our lives (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Romans 12:2).
Many Christians have read Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2, but few have truly stopped to ask: What does it actually mean to meditate on God’s Word? The word “meditation” today can easily be misunderstood, since Eastern religions and secular practices define it very differently than the Bible does.
Biblical meditation is not about emptying the mind. It is about filling the heart and mind with God’s Word until it shapes every thought, word, and action. As believers, we are not called to detach from reality but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Word of God (Romans 12:2).
Biblical meditation is not about emptying the mind. It is about filling the heart and mind with God’s Word until it shapes every thought, word, and action. As believers, we are not called to detach from reality but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Word of God (Romans 12:2).
Key Scriptures at a Glance
Joshua 1:8 — Meditate on the Word day and night.
Psalm 1:2 — The blessed man delights in God’s law.
Romans 12:2 — Transformation through renewing of the mind.
Philippians 4:8 — Think on what is true, honorable, and pure.
The Biblical Meaning of Meditation
Hebrew Word: Hagah
The primary Hebrew word translated “meditate” is hagah. It literally means “to murmur, to speak, to ponder, to imagine, to study.” In Joshua 1:8, God commands: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (ESV)
Here hagah conveys the idea of speaking God’s Word under your breath, mulling it over, repeating it, and letting it sink deep into your spirit.
Greek Word: Meletao
In the New Testament, the Greek word meletao is used. It means “to care for, to attend to, to practice, to give yourself to.” Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15 (ESV): “Practice (meletao) these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.”
Biblical meditation, then, is not passive—it’s active. It’s a practice of immersing yourself in God’s truth until it becomes part of who you are.
Meditation in Scripture
The Bible is filled with calls to meditate on God’s Word:
Psalm 1:1–3 (ESV): The blessed man delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night, becoming like a fruitful tree by streams of water.
Psalm 63:6 (ESV): “When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night.”
Psalm 119:15 (ESV): “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”
Psalm 119:97 (ESV): “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Psalm 77:12 (ESV): “I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Philippians 4:8 (ESV): Paul exhorts believers to think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom…”
The pattern is clear: meditation is a day-and-night discipline of delighting in God’s Word.
Practical Application: How to Meditate on God’s Word in Daily Life
Biblical meditation isn’t something reserved for early mornings or church services—it can weave through the busyness of your entire day. Here are a few ways:
At Work: Keep a verse on your desk, phone, or computer background. When stress rises, pause and repeat it aloud, turning it into a prayer. Example: “Lord, Your Word says, ‘You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You’ (Isaiah 26:3 ESV). I set my mind on You now.”
At Home with Kids: Turn ordinary moments into teaching opportunities. As you fold laundry or prepare meals, speak Scripture to your children—or even to yourself. For instance: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1 ESV). It trains both your heart and theirs to see God in the ordinary.
While Commuting: Redeem drive time or public transit by listening to an audio Bible. Repeat a single verse you’ve heard and reflect: “How can I live this out?"
During Stress or Conflict: Instead of reacting in the flesh, call to mind stored verses. For example, when tempted to speak harshly: “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1 ESV).
Before Sleep: End the day by quietly reviewing one Scripture. As you lay your head down, let it be the last thought you meditate on, trusting God to work it into your heart through the night.
This approach keeps meditation living and active, not confined to ritual, but continually shaping your responses, emotions, and faith throughout the day.
How Biblical Meditation Differs From Other Forms
Eastern Meditation: Emptying the mind to find inner stillness.
Mindfulness (Secular): Being present and aware of feelings without judgment.
Biblical Meditation: Filling the mind with God’s truth so that it transforms us—fixing the mind on Scripture and submitting every thought to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
The difference is focus: one looks inward or to the void; the other fixes (or focuses) itself on the living Word of God.
What Biblical Meditation Is Not:
It is not emptying your mind to reach a state of “nothingness” (as in many Eastern practices).
It is not repeating mantras or words without meaning, hoping to manipulate spiritual power.
It is not self-focused—trying to “find your true self” apart from God.
It is not about detachment from reality or escaping life’s problems by zoning out.
It is not simply mindfulness—being aware of your breath, body, or emotions without anchoring them in God’s truth.
It is not mixing practices from other religions and calling it “Christian.”
Biblical meditation is the opposite: it fills the mind and heart with God’s Word, directing your thoughts to Him, and shaping your life in obedience to Christ.
What Biblical Meditation Is:
Filling your mind with God’s Word — turning it over in thought until it becomes part of you (Joshua 1:8).
Speaking Scripture out loud — the Hebrew word hagah (“meditate”) also means to mutter or speak softly (Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8).
Personalizing God’s promises — applying verses to your own situation, not just reading them as abstract truth (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Praying Scripture back to God — using His Word as the foundation of your prayers (Psalm 119:49–50).
Reflecting with obedience in mind — asking, “How should I live this out today?” (James 1:22–25).
Letting Scripture guide your steps — allowing the Word to shape your decisions, habits, and responses (Psalm 119:105).
Drawing closer to Jesus — because He is the Living Word, meditation is ultimately communion with Him (John 1:14; John 14:9).
Stirring faith and hope — God’s Word, when dwelt on, renews faith and brings peace in trials (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 26:3).
The Spiritual Benefits of Meditating on God’s Word
Meditation is not optional—it’s transformational. The Bible ties many spiritual benefits to it: Prosperity and success – Joshua 1:8 promises prosperity and success when we meditate and obey God’s Word.
Spiritual and life fruitfulness – Psalm 1:3 compares the meditating believer to a tree planted by streams of water, always fruitful.
Peace of mind – Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace when the mind is stayed on God.
Victory over sin – Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Renewal of the mind – Romans 12:2 shows how God transforms us through renewing our minds with His Word.
Increased faith – Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Intimacy with God – John 15:7: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Strength in trials – Psalm 119:92: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”
Direction and guidance – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Healing and restoration – Psalm 107:20: “He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.”
Practical Ways to Meditate on God’s Word
Read it aloud – Joshua 1:8 says it should not depart from your mouth.
Speak it over your life.
Repeat and memorize – Psalm 119 shows that storing the Word in your heart builds strength.
Pray it back to God – Turn Scripture into prayer. Journal it – Write what the Holy Spirit shows you.
Look in the mirror – Examine how you are living out the truth of the passage.
Apply it – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
Sing it – Colossians 3:16 shows the Word being expressed in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Common Questions About Meditating on God’s Word
Is biblical meditation the same as Eastern meditation?
No—Eastern meditation empties the mind; biblical meditation fills it with God’s truth.
How do I start meditating on God’s Word?
Begin with one verse, repeat it, reflect on its meaning, and pray it back to God.
What are the benefits of biblical meditation?
It strengthens faith, renews the mind, and anchors us in God’s promises (Psalm 119:11).
Does the Bible command meditation?
Yes—Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2 both urge believers to meditate daily on God’s Word.
How long should I spend meditating on Scripture?
Even a few focused minutes can be powerful, but aim for regular, unhurried time daily (Psalm 119:97).
Can I meditate on the Bible without memorizing verses?
Yes—memorization helps, but meditation can also mean reflecting, journaling, or praying over a passage you’re reading.
What’s the difference between studying the Bible and meditating on it?
Bible study analyzes meaning and context, while meditation internalizes Scripture so it shapes thoughts and actions (Psalm 119:15).
Conclusion
Biblical meditation is a God-given pathway to transformation. By letting His Word dwell richly in us, we live anchored in truth, filled with peace, and guided in wisdom.
Today, you and I can walk in the same power. As we meditate on God’s Word day and night, we will see transformation in our thinking, victory over sin, peace in our hearts, and fruitfulness in every area of life.
For a companion study, be sure to read my article Why Meditation on God’s Word Brings Prosperity and Success. Together, these studies give both the “why” and the “how” of biblical meditation.
Choose one verse today—Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, or Philippians 4:8—and spend ten minutes meditating on it. Speak it, pray it, reflect on it, and let the Spirit write it on your heart.
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Written by Pastor Chad Fisher — Pentecostal Pastor & Bible teacher with 30+ years of ministry experience and author of several Christian books. Learn more →
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