“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
This passage, is of course, very familiar. But, it may be that a word study of the things, (true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praiseworthy), may be helpful.
True (alethes). “True, not hidden, unconcealed” (Thayer). In our context, that which emanates from God. Jesus said, “I am… the truth” (John 14:6).
Noble (semnos). “august, venerable, reverend; to be venerated for character, honorable.” (Thayer). As it is used here, a reference to meditating upon either people or deeds that are of good character and honor.
Just (dikaios). “righteous, observing divine and human laws; on who is such as he ought to be” (Thayer). As an example, Joseph, and how he treated Mary “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly” (Matthew 1:19).
Pure (hagnos). Sacred, pure, pure from carnality, chaste, modest, pure from every fault, immaculate” (Thayer). Thayer believes the context of Philippians 4:8 indicates the most broad definition of being pure from every fault. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:22, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”
Lovely (prosphiles). “Acceptable, pleasing” (Thayer). Think here of things that are in no way offensive to others.
Of good report (euphemos). “Sounding well; uttering words of good omen, speaking auspiciously” (Thayer). When someone or something is spoken well of, they are worth consideration. A admirable reputation is of value.
Virtue (arete). “any excellence of a person, or of a thing. Any particular moral excellence” (Thayer). All of the six things mentioned previously in this text are characteristic of the excellence alluded to here. As such they are all Praiseworthy (epainos) “approbation, commendation, praise” (Thayer). So, these are the things that should be meditated upon.
Meditate (logizomai) “to reckon, count, to take into account, to make account of” (Thayer). This is a favorite word of Paul’s. He uses it 27 times, and it is seen only four other times in the entire NT. It is more than just thinking. To account for, to number, to reckon. It is thinking with a purpose. You are to notice, so that you can mature!
