ἐνθύμησις
enthýmēsis
G1761 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A process or state of inner reflection, deliberation, or pondering; in broader contexts, it can refer to an intention, design, plan, purpose, or sometimes a specific thought or idea conceived within the mind. The term emphasizes inward, often careful consideration or reasoning, not merely a fleeting thought but often reflecting deeper musing or weighing of possibilities. Depending on context, it may also signify a device or strategy, highlighting the product of such deliberation.
Semantic Range
thought, reflection, inward consideration, deliberation, purpose, plan, device, intention, mental resolve
Root / Etymology
Derived from ἐνθυμέομαι (to consider, ponder), itself a compound of ἐν ('in') and θυμός ('mind', 'spirit', 'heart', 'emotion'). Thus, ἐνθύμησις literally points to 'that which is in the mind or heart', extended to denote reflection or design.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐνθύμησις primarily indicates internal reflection or deep consideration. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term is used for inward thoughts or intentions, sometimes relating to plans or schemes, whether positively (as careful pondering) or negatively (as secret plots). For example, in Matthew 9:4, it refers to 'evil thoughts' harbored within, but context determines moral valence. The term does not always correspond to a neutral or rational 'thought', and may denote emotional or even scheming inwardness. Standard English translations ('thought', 'device', 'intention') can miss the nuance of inward, often deliberate reflection versus spontaneous mental activity. ἐνθύμησις is less about fleeting notions and more about sustained, purposeful mental engagement. Related terms: λογισμός often stresses calculation or reckoning; διαλογισμός can be more dialogical or debate-like; ἐνθύμησις is more inward and meditative. Earliest attested in classical literature, continuing robustly through the Koine period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐνθυμέομαι; deliberation:--device, thought.
Root Family
ἐνθυμ- (enthyméomai) — to be inwardly moved, to ponder, to consider
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1760 | ἐνθυμέομαι | you are pondering inwardly |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1761-01 |
ἐνθυμήσεις | enthumeseis | N ACC F PL |
thoughts | inward deliberations | inward deliberations | 2 |
G1761-02 |
ἐνθυμήσεων | enthumeseon | N GEN F PL |
thoughts | of deliberations | of deliberations | 1 |
G1761-03 |
ἐνθυμήσεως | enthumeseos | N GEN F SG |
thought | of inward deliberation | thought | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1761-01 |
Matthew 9:4 | ἐνθυμήσεις | enthumeseis | N ACC F PL |
thoughts | inward deliberations | inward deliberations |
G1761-01 |
Matthew 12:25 | ἐνθυμήσεις | enthumeseis | N ACC F PL |
thoughts | inward deliberations | inward deliberations |
G1761-03 |
Acts 17:29 | ἐνθυμήσεως | enthumeseos | N GEN F SG |
thought | of inward deliberation | thought |
G1761-02 |
Hebrews 4:12 | ἐνθυμήσεων | enthumeseon | N GEN F PL |
thoughts | of deliberations | of deliberations |