middle voice of a primary verb; to "will," i.e. (reflexively) be willing:--be disposed, minded, intend, list, (be, of own) will (-ing). Compare θέλω.
Transliteration:boúlomai
Pronunciation:boo'-lom-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1014}}` (boulomai) denotes a deliberate, reasoned, and often settled intention or purpose. It signifies a choice or will that arises from consideration and reflection, distinguishing it from a mere spontaneous desire or a passing wish. Its core meaning encompasses "to will," "to intend," "to purpose," "to resolve," or "to be disposed." The middle voice form of the verb emphasizes that the subject acts for themselves or on themselves, reinforcing the idea of an internal, self-directed volition. While often translated similarly to `{{G2309}}` (thelo), boulomai frequently carries the nuance of a more considered, thoughtful, and settled purpose, especially in contexts describing divine will or a human's firm resolve.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1014}}` appears in various contexts, consistently conveying a sense of deliberate intention:
* In [[Acts 18:27]], Apollos "wished" (ἐβούλετο) to cross to Achaia, indicating a personal, considered decision.
* [[Acts 19:30]] records that Paul "wished" (βουλομένου) to go into the assembly, but his disciples prevented him, illustrating a clear, albeit thwarted, intention.
* The centurion in [[Acts 27:43]], "wishing" (βουλόμενος) to save Paul, deliberately intervened to prevent the soldiers from killing the prisoners.
* A profound theological usage is found in [[1 Timothy 2:4]], where God "desires" (βούλεται) all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Here, boulomai signifies God's settled, benevolent purpose, not merely a wish but a divine disposition.
* Paul uses boulomai in [[1 Timothy 5:14]] to express his reasoned judgment and "wish" (βούλομαι) for younger widows to marry, bear children, and manage their households, seeing it as beneficial.
* In [[Titus 3:8]], Paul states, "I want" (βούλομαι) you to insist on these things, conveying a strong, purposeful instruction for believers to devote themselves to good works.
* [[James 4:4]] employs boulomai to describe a deliberate choice: "Whoever wishes" (ὃς ἐὰν βουληθῇ) to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God, highlighting the intentionality of such allegiance.
* Parallel to [[1 Timothy 2:4]], [[2 Peter 3:9]] states that the Lord is patient, "not wishing" (μὴ βουλόμενός) that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance, further emphasizing God's deliberate and compassionate will for salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{G2309}}` (thelo), which also means "to will" or "to wish." While often used interchangeably in some contexts, scholars frequently note a subtle distinction: boulomai often implies a more deliberate, considered, and settled purpose, particularly in the context of divine will or a human's firm intention. Thelo can denote a more immediate, spontaneous desire, or a general willingness. However, this distinction is not always rigidly maintained in all biblical texts. Other related terms include:
* `{{G1012}}` (boule): The noun form related to boulomai, meaning "counsel," "plan," or "purpose," emphasizing the deliberative aspect of the will.
* `{{G4296}}` (prothesis): "purpose," "plan," "intention," often describing the outcome or object of a deliberate will.
* `{{G2307}}` (thelēma): The noun form of thelo, meaning "will," "desire," or "wish."
These words collectively illuminate the various facets of volition, intention, and divine purpose within the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1014}}` (boulomai) for God's will, particularly in passages like [[1 Timothy 2:4]] and [[2 Peter 3:9]], carries profound theological weight. It portrays God's saving will not as a mere fleeting desire or a conditional wish, but as a deep-seated, deliberate, and unwavering purpose. This underscores His benevolent character, His active intention for humanity's salvation, and His steadfast patience. It speaks to God's earnest desire for all people to come to repentance and a knowledge of the truth. This deliberate divine will is foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan. When applied to human beings, boulomai highlights the element of conscious choice and responsible intention. It emphasizes that human actions are not merely accidental or impulsive but proceed from a considered disposition or purpose, which has implications for moral responsibility and the nature of human sin as a deliberate turning away from God. The choice implied by boulomai signifies a deep commitment of one's inner being.
### Summary
`{{G1014}}` (boulomai) is a Greek verb signifying a deliberate, reasoned, and settled intention or purpose. It denotes a will or choice that arises from careful consideration rather than mere impulse. In its most significant theological applications, particularly in [[1 Timothy 2:4]] and [[2 Peter 3:9]], boulomai describes God's deep-seated, benevolent will for the salvation of all humanity, emphasizing His purposeful and patient character. When referring to human volition, it highlights conscious choice and responsible intention, indicating actions that stem from a considered internal resolve. While sharing semantic range with `{{G2309}}` (thelo), boulomai often conveys a stronger sense of deliberate, settled purpose, making it a crucial term for understanding both divine and human will in the New Testament.
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