Listening to Words of Torah Without Verbalizing Them

Hello and blessings, honorable Rabbi.
I wanted to ask: if I listen to recorded shiurim in Gemara, or even live shiurim, but I do not articulate the words of the Gemara with my mouth, is this considered Torah study for me also regarding making a siyum on the tractate, or must one specifically verbalize the words? I would be happy to receive an answer with explanations as to why this is not considered merely thinking about words of Torah, and the sides of the doubt regarding a recording versus a live shiur. Thank you.

Hello and blessings. 

Even thinking about Torah is a mitzvah, as it is written: “והגית בו יומם ולילה” — “and you shall meditate upon it day and night.” 

Accordingly, it is obvious that those who complete their study by listening to a shiur, whether a live shiur or a recording, may make a siyum in accordance with halachah, and may eat meat and drink wine during the Nine Days.  

See Biur Halachah (siman 47, se’if 4), s.v. “One who thinks about words of Torah,” etc. 

And this is his language: See the Biur HaGra, who challenges this, for thinking about Torah is also a mitzvah, as it is written: “והגית בו יומם ולילה” — “and you shall meditate upon it day and night.” 

And see there what he explains as to why, according to some poskim, a blessing is not recited over this. 

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)