Thank you for the question on I Timothy 4:15, “What does 1 Timothy 4:15 mean by “meditate”? Why doesn’t it say pray? Should we meditate in the way Buddhists meditate?”
As I read your question, I thought it would be good to see what the Greek text says about that verse since it may affect how one understand the word, “meditate.”
According to the NASB-NIV Parallel New Testament in Greek and English, the author translates the Greek words of verses 15–16 in this manner: “These thing attend to, in these things be thou, in order that the advance clear be to all men. 16 Take heed to thyself and to the teaching, continue in them; for this doing both thyself thou will serve and the (ones) hearing them.”
The context states that Timothy is to remain true to what has been taught to him. He is not to depart from the things that he received from the Apostle Paul. The words, “take heed” and “continue in them” states a steadfastness that Timothy was to maintain.
The Greek word, attend to, is “meleta” from the verb form, “meletao”. According to Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words by Vine, it carries the idea to care for thus denoting to attend to, practice with alternative meaning of to ponder, imagine.
As one looks at verse 15–16, the Apostle Paul is not just saying to think about what Timothy has been taught. It’s not just reading or recalling what he has seem and heard from the Apostle Paul. The idea is far more so as to pay close attention to and to implement what Timothy has learned from Paul. He was to practice what he has learned.
In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul says this, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (NIV).
During this time period, Christians were being persecuted. Believers may be wavering in their faith and in following Jesus Christ. Paul reminds Timothy that he is to be an example to others. It is not enough to think or talk about the truth. He needs to live the truth.
SUMMARY: Meditation without application leads to fruitlessness.