Recently the Lord has had me do a little research on Philippians 4:8: “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.” (KJV)
I was particularly intrigued by the word “think” found toward the end of this verse. So I dug into some word studies and read several commentaries. I am also always thankful for Skip Moen’s studies, even though he now resides in Italy,( https://www.skipmoen.com). In the NAS the English word used for “think” is dwell, which still implies thinking. However, the Greek word that Paul used is logizomai, which means to reckon or to charge. The more general definition would be to deliberate or to conclude. Paul was a Hebrew, as well as a Greek scholar, so he tried to implement Hebraic thought as he translated the Old Testament into Greek.
Instead of focusing on the word think or dwell Paul brought the Hebraic idea of not just using your thought process, but to reckon (calculating or estimating) with your soul, which includes your mind, will, and emotions. Paul also brought the emotional and volitional aspects into this word logizomai. The Western Greek culture stressed thinking, where the Hebraic focused on thinking, emotions and applying or doing what the Bible taught.
Paul is not just exhorting us to think better, he is telling us to convert proper thought and emotion into action. It makes me want to do more research on the other words Paul encourages us to dwell on and apply to our lives: whatsoever things are honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, and praise. There is a big difference between thinking and putting those thoughts into action! Obviously this is an area I need to understand and implement more in my own life since the Lord seems to me highlighting this verse.
More to come!
In His Covenant Love,
