γνώμη
gnṓmē
G1106 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A way of thinking, opinion, judgment; also, deliberate intention or resolution. In some contexts, refers to the formal decision or determination of an individual or assembly; in others, denotes personal mental attitude, advice, or consent. Can express the process of forming an evaluation or the outcome of that process (a viewpoint or determination).
Semantic Range
way of thinking, opinion, judgment, viewpoint, intention, resolution, advice, counsel, decision, consent, purpose, will
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root γιγνώσκω (to know, to recognize), with the nominal suffix -μη indicating an abstract concept; thus, 'state or act of knowing, opinion, judgment.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, γνώμη has a broad range: it is used for an individual's opinion, judgment, or the faculty of discernment (e.g., Herodotus, Thucydides), but also for a formal decision of an assembly or council. In the Hellenistic period, γνώμη retains this breadth, particularly in official or legal contexts (as a vote, judgment, or deliberation) and personal or philosophical use (judgment, maxim, or wisdom saying). In the Septuagint and New Testament, γνώμη often indicates advice, judgment, or individual will/decision (Acts 20:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 7:25). English translations sometimes blur its full range, rendering it 'advice,' 'judgment,' 'mind,' or 'opinion,' but occasionally missing its sense as a resolution or formal determination. The term is distinct from βουλή (counsel, purpose) or δόξα (opinion, commonly in a more subjective or evaluative sense).
Translation Consistency
γνώμη most commonly refers to a person’s way of thinking, viewpoint, or judgment. “Opinion” is the most natural, neutral English word that covers the typical senses (viewpoint, judgment, advice/consent) and will read naturally across contexts where the term denotes mindset, resolution, or determinations; rarer senses like formal ‘decision’ or ‘purpose’ are still compatible with this broader, common rendering.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from γινώσκω; cognition, i.e. (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.):--advice, + agree, judgment, mind, purpose, will.
Root Family
γνώμη (gnōmē) — opinion, judgment, intention, decision, counsel
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1106-02 |
γνώμην | gnomen | N ACC F SG |
mind | a formed opinion | a formed opinion | 6 |
G1106-03 |
γνώμης | gnomes | N GEN F SG |
consent | of judgment | of opinion | 2 |
G1106-01 |
γνώμῃ | gnome | N DAT F SG |
judgment | by judgment | judgment | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1106-03 |
Acts 20:3 | γνώμης | gnomes | N GEN F SG |
of purpose | of judgment | of opinion |
G1106-01 |
1 Corinthians 1:10 | γνώμῃ | gnome | N DAT F SG |
judgment | by judgment | judgment |
G1106-02 |
1 Corinthians 7:25 | γνώμην | gnomen | N ACC F SG |
judgment/opinion | a formed opinion | a formed opinion |
G1106-02 |
1 Corinthians 7:40 | γνώμην | gnomen | N ACC F SG |
judgment | a formed opinion | a formed opinion |
G1106-02 |
2 Corinthians 8:10 | γνώμην | gnomen | N ACC F SG |
my judgment | a formed opinion | a formed opinion |
G1106-03 |
Philemon 1:14 | γνώμης | gnomes | N GEN F SG |
consent | of judgment | of opinion |
G1106-02 |
Revelation 17:13 | γνώμην | gnomen | N ACC F SG |
mind | a formed opinion | a formed opinion |
G1106-02 |
Revelation 17:17 | γνώμην | gnomen | N ACC F SG |
will | a formed opinion | a formed opinion |
G1106-02 |
Revelation 17:17 | γνώμην | gnomen-2 | N ACC F SG |
mind | a formed opinion | a formed opinion |