ἑκούσιον
hekoúsion
G1595 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Acting of one's own will; done freely or voluntarily, without compulsion. In its primary sense, refers to an action undertaken by personal choice or conscious intention. In various contexts, it may emphasize the contrast with compulsory or involuntary behavior.
Semantic Range
voluntary, willing, done of one's own accord, uncoerced, deliberate, intentional
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἑκών (willing, of one's own accord); the form ἑκούσιον is the neuter of the derivative adjective ἑκούσιος, often used substantivally to denote a voluntary thing, action, or state.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus, Plato) primarily as ἑκούσιος, signifying actions performed freely, by one's own decision, or without external constraint, often contrasted with ἀκών (unwilling, involuntary). In the Septuagint and New Testament, the word highlights the disposition in which an act is performed—especially important in discussions of moral agency, offerings, or behaviors done 'willingly.' English Bible translations often render it as 'willingly' or 'voluntarily,' but this can obscure the subtle distinction between actions done freely and those done under mandate or coercion. The term is rare in the New Testament (e.g., Heb 10:26). In LXX, used of voluntary offerings and decisions. The wider semantic field is similar to Latin 'voluntarius.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a derivative from ἑκών; voluntariness:--willingly.
Root Family
ἑκών- (hekoúsion) — to wish, to will, to be willing
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1595-01 |
ἑκούσιον | ekousion | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
free-will | a voluntary act | a voluntary act | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1595-01 |
Philemon 1:14 | ἑκούσιον | ekousion | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
free-will | a voluntary act | a voluntary act |