Meditation Hebrew Meaning
The Hebrew words ‘hagah’ (to speak, to ponder), and ‘siach,’(to contemplate, muse) in the Bible reveal that meditation is a spiritual practice grounded in Torah Reflection and prayer. Hebrew Meditation is different from modern mindfulness. It involves vocal repetition, deep thinking, and a focus of divine truth. Learn the biblical meaning of meditation in Hebrew, and how ancient Jewish traditions offer timeless spiritual wisdom. Discover how scriptural meditation transforms your spiritual life. This is a great tool for Bible studies, Hebrew word study or faith-based mediation insights.
It also comes from the Hebrew Bible and Jewish customs. The act of meditating appears frequently in the Bible. Understanding the Hebrew terms that are behind the English translation of “mediate” will reveal a rich and multifaceted meaning. It speaks to Jewish ways of connecting with God and Torah.
1. The Hebrew Words For “Meditate”
No single Hebrew word directly translates “meditate” into modern English. There are several Hebrew terms that describe meditation. In the Hebrew Bible, there are two words that are most commonly translated into English as “meditate”:
a. hagah (Hagah) – Strong’s Concordance H1897
This verb is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible. It means:
- To murmur, utter, or muse
- To ponder, imagine, or meditate
This is often used to describe repeating something, muttering or reciting it deeply. The image is of ruminating like a cow chowing cud.
Example:
“But he delights in the law of The LORD and meditates (hagah), on His law day and night.” Psalm 1:
The psalmist here describes someone who continually meditates on Torah (God’s instructions)–not just thinking about it but also repeating, whispering, and internalizing.
b. SHiyHa (Siach ) – Strong’s Concordance H7878
It is often translated as consider or reflect. This word is associated with inner dialogue and deep, emotional thought. It conveys a sense of meditation or prayer.
Example:
I will also meditate (siach), and speak of thy works.
Psalms 77:12
In this context, the act of meditation is to reflect and consider God’s work in an emotional and personal way.
2. Meditation in Ancient Jewish Practice
Hebrew Meditation is usually vocal and content-based. It focuses on the Torah and God’s name.
Torah-centered meditation
The study of and contemplation on the Torah is at the foundation of Jewish meditation. In Deuteronomy 6, verses 6-7, the Israelites were commanded to hold the words of the Torah in their hearts, and to constantly speak about them, whether they are sitting, walking or lying down. This is a way of life that involves meditative engagement in Scripture.
This is repeated in:
“This Book of the Law will not leave thy mouth, but thou must meditate on it day and night …”
– Joshua 1:8
The Hebrew word is haagah. It is implied that meditation is not just a passive activity of the mind, but an active verbal and focused engagement.
b. Vocal and physical aspects
In Jewish tradition learning is done often aloud. The Talmudic Method involves chanting and discussing texts, as well as arguing about them. It is a form of interactive mediation where both the mouth and mind are involved in digesting spiritual truth.
You can also meditate on Gods’ names or Hebrew Letters. Some schools of Jewish mysticism use meditation to focus on divine names, such as the Tetragrammaton, visualizations or controlled breathing.
3. Key Themes of Biblical Meditation
a. The Connection with God
In the Hebrew tradition, meditation is not a self-centered or inward practice. The goal of meditation is to align the heart and mind in harmony with God’s will.
Psalm 19:14 says:
“Let my words and my meditations be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock, and my redeemer.”
Here, “meditation”, (Hebrew hgyvn-hegyon is a derivative from haagah), is associated with worship and submission.
b. Remembrance
In many psalms, meditation is expressed as remembering the works of God.
I remember the old days; I meditate on Your works. I think about the work of your hands.
Psalm 143.5
It is both emotional and cognitive. This combines gratitude, memory and contemplation.
c. Moral Transformation
Meditation is also described as a way to change. Repetition and reflection of God’s Word have a transformative effect. They shape behavior, thoughts and values.
Psalm119, which is the longest of all psalms, shows a powerful example of meditative meditation on God’s Law. The psalmist says repeatedly, “I’ll meditate on Your precepts,” tying meditation to love of God’s commands and a desire for righteous living.
4. Reflecting on Rabbinic and Later Jewish Ideas
In rabbinic writings, meditation became a deeper and more spiritual practice, particularly within the Hasidic and Kabbalistic traditions. The Hebrew meaning of “meditate” reflects this thoughtful and mystical approach.
a. Hitbodedut
Hitbodedut is a practice that was emphasized by Rebbe Nachman Breslov. It means self-seclusion. It refers to personal, spontaneous prayer. This kind of meditation involves talking to God like you would chat with a friend.
Though the Bible doesn’t directly talk about it, Hasidic Masters believe it can improve your meditation on scripture and help you feel closer to God.
b. Kabbalistic Mediation
Kabbalists developed meditation techniques involving:
- Visualizations of Hebrew letters
- Divine names
- Breath control
- Highlighting specific sefirot
This was a more advanced course, and only meant for those who are well versed in Torah and purification practices.
5. What is the difference between Eastern and Biblical meditation (Meditate Hebrew Meaning)?
There are deep differences between things, even though they might seem similar on the surface, like when someone quietly thinks or repeats holy words.
| Aspect | Hebrew Meditation | Eastern Meditation |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | God, Torah, covenant | Self, emptiness, detachment |
| Method | Vocal repetition, study, contemplation | Silent awareness, mantras, mindfulness |
| Goal | Closeness with God, obedience, transformation | Enlightenment, liberation from suffering |
| Content | Scripture, divine names, God’s works | Breath, thoughts, present moment |
Hebrew meditation is relationship, covenantal, theological. It’s not just a tool to achieve personal peace but also a way of worshiping, obeying, and transforming.
6. Relevance Today
In recent years, Jewish Meditation has seen a revival in popularity. Rabbi Aryeh Kabplan, among others, have written extensively about ancient and modern practices. Kaplan stressed that Jewish meditation was not borrowed or foreign, but embedded deeply in biblical tradition.
Modern practices include
- A Contemplative Reading (Lectio Divina) Torah
- Silent Prayer and Reflection
- Concentrated breathing while reciting Hebrew Verses
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