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βουλεύω

bouleúō

G1011 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To deliberate, to consider or plan with careful thought; to determine upon a course of action through reasoning or consultation. In reflexive forms (βουλεύομαι), denotes the act of deliberating or taking counsel, especially in a communal or formal context. May also convey the sense of making a resolution or decision after discussion or careful consideration.

Semantic Range

to deliberate, to confer or consult together, to take counsel, to make plans, to resolve after discussion, to purpose with intent

Root / Etymology

From the noun βουλή (counsel, purpose, deliberation), which derives from the same root meaning 'will' or 'counsel'. The verb βουλεύω is causative of the base concept 'to will', indicating the process of setting one's will or decision through deliberation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, βουλεύω primarily means to deliberate or consider in a council setting, often in political or communal contexts, such as the assembly (βουλή) of the polis. In Middle and Koine Greek, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, the verb continues to denote thoughtful planning or taking counsel, emphasizing the process rather than impulsive or individual decision-making. The passive and middle forms frequently occur, highlighting deliberation with oneself or participation in group counsel. Standard English translations like 'determine', 'take counsel', or 'purpose' often focus on the result rather than the underlying process of thoughtful discussion inherent in the term's use. The nuance of communal or formal deliberation can be lost in translation. The concept stands in contrast to verbs meaning 'to wish' (θέλω) or 'to decide' (κρίνω) which do not necessarily involve consultation or group process.

Translation Consistency

primary "plan" 2 occurrences

'Plan' is a natural, versatile verb that captures the primary sense of βουλεύω — forming intentions, taking counsel, and deciding on a course of action after deliberation. It covers both individual and communal/reflexive uses (planning together or resolving after discussion) without sounding overly formal, so it will read consistently and idiomatically across contexts.

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"deliberated among" (2x) "deliberate for" (1x) "planned" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from βουλή; to advise, i.e. (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve:--consult, take counsel, determine, be minded, purpose.

Root Family

βουλεύω (bouleuō) — to deliberate, to plan, to decide by counsel

Root βουλ- to deliberate, to plan, to decide by counsel

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1011-04 ἐβουλεύσαντο ebouleusanto V AOR MID IND 3P PL consulted they deliberated among themselves they deliberated among themselves 2
G1011-01 βουλεύομαι bouleuomai V PRS MID IND 1P SG do I purpose I deliberate for myself I plan 2
G1011-03 ἐβουλεύοντο ebouleuonto V IMPF MID IND 3P PL they planned they were taking counsel together they planned 1
G1011-02 βουλεύσεται bouleusetai V FUT MID IND 3P SG consult he will deliberate for himself he will deliberate for himself 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1011-02 Luke 14:31 βουλεύσεται bouleusetai V FUT MID IND 3P SG consult he will deliberate for himself he will deliberate for himself
G1011-04 John 11:53 ἐβουλεύσαντο ebouleusanto V AOR MID IND 3P PL they planned they deliberated among themselves they deliberated among themselves
G1011-04 John 12:10 ἐβουλεύσαντο ebouleusanto V AOR MID IND 3P PL consulted they deliberated among themselves they deliberated among themselves
G1011-03 Acts 27:39 ἐβουλεύοντο ebouleuonto V IMPF MID IND 3P PL they planned they were taking counsel together they planned
G1011-01 2 Corinthians 1:17 βουλεύομαι bouleuomai V PRS MID IND 1P SG I purpose I deliberate for myself I plan
G1011-01 2 Corinthians 1:17 βουλεύομαι bouleuomai-2 V PRS MID IND 1P SG do I purpose I deliberate for myself I plan
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