What does the Bible say

What Does the Bible Say About Meditation?

Biblical meditation is not emptying the mind but filling it with God and his Word, pondering his truth, his works, and his character until they sink deep into the heart. Scripture calls the one who meditates on God's law day and night blessed and fruitful, and it commends thinking deeply on whatever is true, honest, and good.

What Scripture says

Here are real verses on meditation, each in the King James Version, with a word on what it means.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.Joshua 1:8 (KJV)

Meditate in the book of the law day and night, that thou mayest observe to do it.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Psalm 1:2 (KJV)

His delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.Psalm 119:15 (KJV)

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.Psalm 143:5 (KJV)

I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

Let the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD.

What this means for you today

Unlike some forms of meditation that seek to empty the mind, biblical meditation fills it, chewing slowly on a verse, a truth about God, or his works, until it moves from the head to the heart.

This kind of reflection steadies and nourishes the soul. Taking a single Scripture and turning it over through the day, praying it back to God, is a simple, ancient practice that Scripture calls the path of the blessed.

The deepest answer is Jesus

As we meditate on God's Word, we are meditating on the One it reveals, Jesus, and are changed by beholding him.

Every one of these Scriptures points beyond itself to a Person. The deepest answer the Bible gives to any human need is not a rule or a technique but Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven and brought home to God. He said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Whatever you are carrying, you do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to make yourself clean first. You can come to him today, just as you are.

This is the good news the whole Bible is telling. We were made for God, we have all turned from him and gone our own way, and none of us can fix that on our own. But God did not leave us there. Out of love he sent his Son to take our place, bearing our wrong on the cross and rising again to open the way back to the Father. Everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts him is forgiven, given new life, and welcomed as a beloved child of God, held by a love that will never let go. That is why the Bible's answer to every topic on this page finally leads here. You can respond right now, in your own words, simply telling God you need him and asking Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord. He hears the honest prayer of anyone who comes.

Related: God's Will · God's Timing · Hearing God's Voice · Spiritual Growth · Assurance of Salvation · All topics