### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βουλεύω (bouleúō) `{{G1011}}` is derived from the noun βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`, which signifies "counsel," "plan," "purpose," or "will." As a verb, βουλεύω therefore denotes the active process of forming or taking counsel, deliberating, planning, and resolving. Its semantic range is quite broad, encompassing:
* To advise or give counsel to others (less common in the NT).
* To deliberate, ponder, or consider deeply with oneself (often in the middle voice). This implies a thoughtful, reasoned process, not an impulsive one.
* To resolve, decide, determine, or purpose, as the outcome of such deliberation.
* To be minded or inclined to do something, indicating an intention formed after consideration.
The core essence of βουλεύω lies in the mental activity of weighing options, considering consequences, and arriving at a definite decision or plan of action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
βουλεύω `{{G1011}}` appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but each instance offers rich contextual insight:
* In [[Luke 14:31]], Jesus uses it in a parable: "Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not first sit down and *consider* whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?" Here, βουλεύω (in the middle voice) emphasizes the king's necessary, careful deliberation and strategic planning before engaging in a significant undertaking. It speaks to wisdom and foresight.
* [[John 12:10]] describes the chief priests: "But the chief priests *consulted* that they might put Lazarus also to death." In this context, βουλεύω denotes a malicious plotting or conspiring, a deliberate plan formed with wicked intent against an innocent person.
* [[Acts 5:33]] records the Sanhedrin's reaction to Peter and the apostles: "When they heard this, they were cut to the quick and *intended* to kill them." Here, it signifies a strong, albeit rash, resolve or purpose to commit violence, stemming from their anger and opposition to the apostles' message.
* In [[Acts 15:37]], concerning the second missionary journey: "Barnabas *wanted* to take with them John, called Mark." While some translations use "wanted" or "purposed," the underlying Greek implies Barnabas's deliberate intention or resolve to include Mark, highlighting a personal decision.
* [[Acts 27:39]] describes the sailors' actions during a storm: "When it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they observed a bay with a beach, on which they *decided* to run the ship ashore, if possible." This instance shows a collective decision or resolution made in a crisis, based on observation and the perceived best course of action for survival.
* Paul uses the word in [[2 Corinthians 1:17]] to defend his integrity: "Therefore, when I *purposed* this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?" Here, βουλεύω speaks of Paul's careful, prayerful, and consistent planning, contrasting it with fickleness or human caprice. It underscores the thoughtful consideration behind his apostolic decisions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of βουλεύω `{{G1011}}` is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`**: The foundational noun, meaning "counsel," "plan," "purpose," or "will." Often used to refer to God's eternal, unchangeable purpose ([[Acts 4:28]], [[Hebrews 6:17]]). βουλεύω is the verb form of enacting or forming such a βουλή.
* **βούλομαι (boulomai) `{{G1014}}`**: A related verb meaning "to will," "to wish," "to desire," "to purpose." While βουλεύω emphasizes the *process* of deliberation leading to a decision, βούλομαι often focuses more directly on the *will* or *desire* itself, sometimes without the same emphasis on prior consultation.
* **γνώμη (gnōmē) `{{G1106}}`**: Opinion, judgment, purpose. This word can represent the outcome or result of deliberation.
* **λογίζομαι (logizomai) `{{G3049}}`**: To reckon, consider, reason. Similar in its focus on mental processing and calculation.
* **διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai) `{{G1260}}`**: To deliberate, reason, dispute, ponder. Often implies an internal debate or questioning, sometimes leading to doubt or argument.
* **προτίθημι (protithēmi) `{{G4388}}`**: To set before, to purpose, to plan. This term can also describe the act of setting forth a plan or intention.
These related terms help to delineate the specific nuance of βουλεύω as a thoughtful, often internal, process of consideration that culminates in a resolved intention or decision.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of βουλεύω `{{G1011}}` are multi-faceted:
* **Human Agency and Responsibility:** The word highlights humanity's capacity for reasoned thought, deliberation, and conscious decision-making. It underscores our moral responsibility for the choices we make, whether those choices lead to wise actions or wicked plots. The act of βουλεύω is not merely passive desire but active mental engagement.
* **Wisdom in Deliberation:** As seen in [[Luke 14:31]], careful βουλεύω is presented as an essential component of wisdom, particularly in significant undertakings. It teaches that prudence and forethought are vital for success and avoiding folly.
* **The Nature of Intent:** In contexts like [[John 12:10]] and [[Acts 5:33]], βουλεύω reveals the formation of malicious intent and wicked resolve. This emphasizes that evil is often not impulsive but the product of deliberate plotting and determination, underscoring the culpability of those who plan harm.
* **Integrity in Ministry:** Paul's usage in [[2 Corinthians 1:17]] is significant for understanding apostolic and, by extension, all Christian ministry. It demonstrates that spiritual leadership involves careful, consistent, and prayerful planning, not whimsical or duplicitous action. This speaks to the integrity and reliability expected of those who serve Christ.
* **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Will:** While humans βουλεύω (deliberate and purpose), the broader biblical narrative consistently affirms that God's ultimate βουλή (purpose) `{{G1012}}` is sovereign and unchangeable ([[Acts 4:28]], [[Hebrews 6:17]]). Human deliberation, whether for good or ill, ultimately occurs within the framework of God's overarching plan. The wise believer seeks to align their personal βουλεύω with the revealed will and purpose of God.
### Summary
βουλεύω (bouleúō) `{{G1011}}` is a powerful Greek verb that encapsulates the process of careful thought, deliberation, and resolution. Derived from βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`, it describes the act of advising, consulting, pondering deeply, and ultimately forming a definitive purpose or plan. New Testament occurrences illustrate its range, from wise strategic planning ([[Luke 14:31]]) and the integrity of apostolic decision-making ([[2 Corinthians 1:17]]) to the formation of malicious plots ([[John 12:10]]) and rash, violent resolves ([[Acts 5:33]]). The word highlights human agency and responsibility in the formation of intentions, whether for good or evil. Theologically, βουλεύω underscores the importance of reasoned thought in human action and the moral weight of our purposes, while also implicitly pointing to the ultimate sovereignty of God's eternal counsel, to which all human deliberations are ultimately subject.
TRV