The Greek word boúlomai, represented by G1014, describes a will or intention that comes from careful consideration. It appears 36 times across 34 unique verses. The term signifies being disposed, minded, or intending to do something, often implying a deliberate choice or resolve.
Further exploring its semantic depth, G1014 carries the connotation of a settled purpose that emerges from an internal process of reasoning or consultation, rather than a spontaneous urge. This deliberative quality aligns with its root connection to boulḗ (counsel), suggesting that the "will" expressed by boúlomai is often the outcome of an inward deliberation, a determination arrived at after weighing considerations. It therefore implies a more robust and steadfast intention than a mere wish, indicating a fixed disposition to act according to a reasoned conclusion.
In scripture, G1014 is used to express the will of God, humans, and the Holy Spirit. It describes God's deliberate desire that none should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9. It is by this considered will that God "begat he us with the word of truth" James 1:18. Jesus uses it in his prayer in Gethsemane, saying "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me" Luke 22:42. The word also portrays human intentions, such as when Joseph was "minded to put her away privily" Matthew 1:19 or when Pilate was "willing to content the people" by releasing Barabbas Mark 15:15. The Holy Spirit is also shown to operate by this will, "dividing to every man severally as he will" 1 Corinthians 12:11.
Beyond divine and individual intentions, G1014 frequently describes the deliberate choices and directives of apostolic and judicial figures. Paul, for instance, uses the term when issuing pastoral instructions, reflecting his considered judgment for the church, such as when he states, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" 1 Timothy 2:8, and "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house" 1 Timothy 5:14. Similarly, it characterizes the reasoned actions of authorities, like Festus inquiring of Paul whether he "would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters" Acts 25:20, or the centurion "willing to save Paul" during the shipwreck Acts 27:43, highlighting a deliberate decision-making process in moments of leadership and crisis.
Several related words clarify the concept of will and purpose:
- G1012 boulḗ (counsel, will): A noun derived from G1014, it refers to a considered purpose or counsel. God showed the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel Hebrews 6:17.
- G1013 boúlēma (purpose, will): This noun signifies a specific resolve or purpose. A centurion, willing G1014 to save Paul, kept his soldiers from their purpose Acts 27:43.
- G2309 thélō (desire, be disposed, will): This verb is contrasted with G1014, often denoting a wish or desire from subjective impulse rather than a reasoned decision. Joseph was not willing to make Mary a public example, but was minded G1014 to put her away privately Matthew 1:19.
- G1011 bouleúō (to counsel, deliberate): This verb signifies the act of taking counsel or deliberating, often preceding the formation of the G1014 will. It describes the mental process of weighing options and forming a plan or purpose.
The theological weight of G1014 lies in its emphasis on deliberate and considered will.
- Divine Purpose: The term highlights that God's actions are not arbitrary but are the result of His sovereign and considered plan. This is seen in His will for salvation 2 Peter 3:9 and His creative act toward believers James 1:18.
- Human Intention: G1014 is used to describe human decisions and their moral weight. It can reflect a righteous intent, as with Joseph Matthew 1:19, or a self-serving one, as with those who will to be rich and fall into temptation 1 Timothy 6:9.
- The Will of the Spirit: The use of G1014 in reference to the Holy Spirit affirms His divine personhood and sovereign agency in distributing spiritual gifts according to His own purpose 1 Corinthians 12:11.
- Pastoral Direction: The use of G1014 in the Pauline epistles often conveys the apostle's considered and authoritative directives for the ordering of Christian life and worship. This reflects a deliberate resolve that guides his teaching and expectations for believers, as seen in his instructions regarding prayer and the conduct of younger women 1 Timothy 2:8, 1 Timothy 5:14, and his affirmation of good works Titus 3:8.
In summary, G1014 boúlomai denotes a profound sense of will characterized by careful consideration and deliberate resolve. This term goes beyond a simple desire, indicating a purpose that has been thoughtfully formed and firmly settled. It illuminates the reasoned choices of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, underscoring the sovereignty and intentionality behind their actions, from the divine plan of salvation to the distribution of spiritual gifts.
Boúlomai is crucial for understanding human agency, depicting intentions that stem from a process of deliberation. This applies to personal decisions, ethical stances, and the considered directives of leaders, as seen in Paul's pastoral counsel and the judgments of judicial figures. The distinction from thélō reinforces that boúlomai represents a will that is not merely impulsive but is the outcome of a settled mind.
Through its various biblical occurrences, G1014 highlights the moral weight of human choices and the steadfastness of divine purpose. It serves as a reminder that both God's and humanity's most significant actions often proceed from a deep-seated, reasoned intention, shaping the course of biblical history and individual lives.
TRV