Definition and Meaning:
The term "cogitations" refers to the act of deep thinking or contemplation. In a biblical context, it often pertains to the meditations and reflections of the heart and mind, particularly in relation to God's Word, His works, and His will. Cogitations can involve both positive and negative aspects, depending on the focus and intent of the thoughts.

Biblical References:
While the specific term "cogitations" may not frequently appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is prevalent throughout Scripture. The Bible often addresses the thoughts and meditations of individuals, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's mind with God's truth.

1. Psalm 19:14 : "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." This verse highlights the desire for one's thoughts and reflections to be acceptable to God, indicating the significance of righteous cogitations.

2. Philippians 4:8 : "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." Here, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to focus their cogitations on virtuous and praiseworthy matters, underscoring the transformative power of godly thinking.

3. Psalm 1:2 : "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This passage describes the blessed man whose cogitations are centered on God's law, leading to spiritual prosperity and growth.

Theological Significance:
Cogitations are integral to the Christian life, as they reflect the inner workings of the heart and mind. Scripture teaches that the thoughts of a person can influence their actions and character. Therefore, believers are encouraged to cultivate a mindset that is in harmony with God's Word.

Proverbs 4:23 : "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This proverb emphasizes the importance of guarding one's thoughts, as they are the wellspring of life. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the seat of thought and intention, making the nature of one's cogitations crucial to spiritual health.

Negative Cogitations:
The Bible also warns against negative or sinful cogitations, which can lead to destructive behavior and separation from God.

1. Genesis 6:5 : "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This verse illustrates how corrupt cogitations can result in widespread wickedness and divine judgment.

2. Matthew 15:19 : "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander." Jesus teaches that sinful actions originate from evil cogitations, highlighting the need for inner transformation.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to renew their minds and align their cogitations with God's truth. This involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, Christians can cultivate a mindset that reflects the character of Christ and leads to a life of holiness and obedience.

Romans 12:2 : "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse encourages believers to undergo a transformation of mind, ensuring that their cogitations are in accordance with God's will.(or "thoughts, " as the Chaldee word in Dan. 7:28 literally means), earnest meditation.

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh ...
... Minding or savouring comprehends, no doubt, all the inward acts of the soul, all
the imaginations, cogitations, thoughts, affections, desires and purposes of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii for they that.htm

Connection Between Covetousness and Idolatry. Certain Trades ...
... while the pomps, while the priesthoods, while the sacrifices of idols, are furnished
by dangers, by losses, by inconveniences, by cogitations, by runnings to ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xi connection between covetousness and.htm

Of the Remedy against the Fifth and Sixth Sources of Weariness.
... rather ready to leave undone what he is prohibited from doing by the divine power,
than desirous of doing that which he meditates in his own human cogitations. ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 14 of the remedy against.htm

The Notes of a True Catholic. ...
... it is that outside the most secure harbour of the Catholic Faith, they are tossed
about, beaten, and almost killed, by divers tempestuous cogitations, in order ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter xx the notes of.htm

The End of all the Law
... But then "the Lord will illuminate the hidden things in the darkness and will make
manifest the cogitations of the heart; and then shall each one have his ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxxii the end of.htm

To Sister Bartolomea Della Seta Nun in the Convent of Santo ...
... This is the reason why God sometimes permits the mind to remain sterile and gloomy,
and beset by many perverse cogitations, so that it seems unable to think of ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to sister bartolomea della seta.htm

Conclusion. Points Postponed all Souls are Kept in Hades Until the ...
... Moreover, the soul executes not all its operations with the ministration of the
flesh; for the judgment of God pursues even simple cogitations and the merest ...
/.../a treatise on the soul/chapter lviii conclusion points postponed all.htm

The Grace of God
... of the Holy Spirit, according to which He acts upon and excites to good the man
who has been already renewed, by infusing into him salutary cogitations, and by ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/iv the grace of god.htm

Of the Fact That, as the Prophecies have Been Fulfilled, the God ...
... For a long time, as I believe, he endeavored to find out, by his own cogitations,
or by the perusal of the books of his own fellow-countrymen, [629] who the ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxx of the fact that.htm

Recapitulation of the Foregoing Argument, Showing that Abraham ...
... Abraham." [3873] Now, this Jesus did by drawing us off from the religion of stones,
and bringing us over from hard and fruitless cogitations, and establishing ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vii recapitulation of the foregoing.htm

Cogitations (1 Occurrence)
...Cogitations (1 Occurrence). ... As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and
my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. (KJV WBS). ...
/c/cogitations.htm - 6k

Cogitation
... koj-i-ta'-shun, ra`yon, "the act of thinking or reflecting," as in Daniel 7:28,
"my cogitations much troubled me" (the Revised Version (British and American ...
/c/cogitation.htm - 6k

Cognisance (1 Occurrence)

/c/cognisance.htm - 6k

Hitherto (34 Occurrences)
... As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed
in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/h/hitherto.htm - 19k

Countenance (67 Occurrences)
... As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in
me: but I kept the matter in my heart. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/c/countenance.htm - 30k

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