ἔννοια
énnoia
G1771 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Cognitive intention or conception—the process or result of thinking, reflecting, or considering; an idea, thought, or intention that arises within the mind, especially as an inward disposition or purpose. In some contexts, it can denote a plan, purpose, or the content of one's thought.
Semantic Range
thought, notion, idea, intention, plan, inward disposition, mental conception, moral purpose
Root / Etymology
Formed from ἐν ('in') and νοῦς ('mind'), indicating 'what is in the mind.' The compound expresses inward thought or reasoning. It is a native Greek formation, not a loanword.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἔννοια appears in classical authors (e.g., Aristotle, Polybius) denoting mental conception, consideration, or reflection—a thought, notion, or intention. By Hellenistic and Koine periods, it persistently refers to internal disposition, intent, or the content of deliberation, often in contrast to outward expression or action. In the Septuagint (e.g., 1 Maccabees 10:47) and Philo, it can denote both thought and resolved intent. In the New Testament (Hebrews 4:12), it refers to the inner thoughts and intentions of the heart, emphasizing the distinction between outward action and inward motivation. English translations often render it 'intent,' 'thought,' or 'mind'; however, these may not fully capture its emphasis on inner conception and purpose, beyond simple cognition towards a sense of underlying motivation or resolve. Related words: διάνοια ('understanding, mind'), λογισμός ('reasoning, thought'), which focus respectively more on rational process or moral reasoning than on the inward conception or disposition signified by ἔννοια.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of ἐν and νοῦς; thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding:--intent, mind.
Root Family
νοῦς (énnoia) — to think, to perceive, to intend
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G454 | ἄνοια | mindlessness |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1771-01 |
ἔννοιαν | ennoian | N ACC F SG |
mind | inward intention | mind | 1 |
G1771-02 |
ἐννοιῶν | ennoion | N GEN F PL |
intents | of inward intentions | of inward intentions | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1771-02 |
Hebrews 4:12 | ἐννοιῶν | ennoion | N GEN F PL |
intents | of inward intentions | of inward intentions |
G1771-01 |
1 Peter 4:1 | ἔννοιαν | ennoian | N ACC F SG |
mind | inward intention | mind |