The Greek word meletáō, represented by G3191, describes the act of taking care of something by revolving it in the mind. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, where it is translated as to premeditate, meditate, or imagine.
In its scriptural usage, G3191 appears in contrasting contexts. In Mark, believers are instructed not to premeditate G3191 what they will say when delivered up for their faith, but to trust the Holy Ghost Mark 13:11. Conversely, Paul commands Timothy to meditate upon G3191 spiritual truths so that his profiting may appear to all 1 Timothy 4:15. In Acts, the word is used to describe how the heathen imagine G3191 vain things in rebellion Acts 4:25.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G3191 in its different applications:
- G4305 promerimnáō (to care (anxiously) in advance): Used in direct parallel with G3191, this word emphasizes a command against anxious forethought, contrasting it with reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance Mark 13:11.
- G4297 prokopḗ (progress, i.e. advancement): This word is presented as the positive outcome of proper meditation. Timothy is to meditate on doctrine so that his profiting becomes manifest 1 Timothy 4:15.
- G2756 kenós (empty (literally or figuratively)): This describes the object of futile imagination. The people are said to imagine vain things G2756, highlighting the emptiness of thought that is not aligned with God's will Acts 4:25.
The theological weight of G3191 is seen in its contrasting applications.
- Reliance on the Spirit: In times of persecution, believers are commanded not to premeditate G3191 their defense. This is a call to forsake self-reliant preparation and instead trust in the words given by the Holy Spirit in that very hour Mark 13:11.
- A Tool for Spiritual Growth: The word is used as a direct command for spiritual discipline. Paul instructs Timothy to meditate G3191 on divine matters to ensure his spiritual profiting G4297 is visible to all 1 Timothy 4:15.
- Contrast with Futile Thinking: The concept is also used to illustrate rebellious and pointless thought. The nations who rage G5433 are described as those who imagine G3191 vain things, demonstrating that mental energy directed against God is ultimately empty Acts 4:25.
In summary, G3191 is a term whose significance depends entirely on its object and context. It can describe a forbidden, anxious self-reliance Mark 13:11, a required spiritual exercise for growth 1 Timothy 4:15, or the futile plotting of those who oppose God Acts 4:25. The word illustrates the critical distinction between God-centered meditation that leads to profiting and worldly imagination that results in vanity.
TRV