### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diánoia**, represented by `{{G1271}}`, refers to the faculty of the **mind**, **understanding**, or **imagination**. It appears **13 times** in **13 unique verses** in the Bible. The term signifies deep thought and the disposition of the mind, as well as the exercise of this faculty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1271}}` is used in several key ways. It is a central component of the greatest commandment, where believers are called to **love** `{{G25}}` the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and **mind** ([[Matthew 22:37]], [[Luke 10:27]]). It is also the faculty where God promises to place His laws under the New Covenant, writing them on the heart and in the **mind** ([[Hebrews 8:10]], [[Hebrews 10:16]]). The state of the **mind** can be one of alienation from God, darkened by ignorance [[Ephesians 4:18]], or it can be the source of pride in the "**imagination** of their hearts" [[Luke 1:51]]. Conversely, believers are given an **understanding** to know God [[1 John 5:20]] and are encouraged to "gird up the loins" of their **mind** in hope [[1 Peter 1:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and state of the mind:
* `{{G2588}}` **kardía** (heart): Defined as "the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind)", this word is frequently used alongside `{{G1271}}` to describe the inner person, as in the command to love God with all one's **heart** and mind [[Mark 12:30]].
* `{{G5461}}` **phōtízō** (enlighten): This verb means "to shed rays, i.e. to shine or (transitively) to brighten up". It is directly connected to the mind in the prayer for the "eyes of your understanding being **enlightened**" [[Ephesians 1:18]].
* `{{G2190}}` **echthrós** (enemy, foe): Describing a hostile state, this word is used to characterize the unrenewed mind, which is alienated and an **enemy** to God [[Colossians 1:21]].
* `{{G4190}}` **ponērós** (wicked): Meaning "hurtful, i.e. evil," this term describes the fruit of a mind at enmity with God, leading to "**wicked** works" [[Colossians 1:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1271}}` highlights the inner life of a person in relation to God.
* **The Faculty of Devotion:** Loving God requires the total person, including the **mind**. The command to love God with all one's **mind** establishes it as a critical faculty for worship and devotion [[Matthew 22:37]].
* **The Locus of Redemption:** The unregenerate **mind** is alienated from God and produces wicked works [[Colossians 1:21]]. However, through the New Covenant, God acts to place his laws in the **mind** [[Hebrews 10:16]] and gives an **understanding** so that believers can know Him [[1 John 5:20]].
* **The State of a Believer:** A believer's **mind** is to be stirred up by way of remembrance [[2 Peter 3:1]] and prepared for action by girding up its loins [[1 Peter 1:13]]. The eyes of the **understanding** are enlightened to perceive the hope of God's calling [[Ephesians 1:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1271}}` is a crucial term that goes beyond simple intellect to describe the disposition and exercise of the **mind** or **understanding**. It is a key element in loving God, the sphere of both human alienation and divine renewal, and a faculty that God enlightens and engages. The state of one's **diánoia** is therefore central to their relationship with God, whether as an enemy in the mind or as one who has been given an understanding to know the truth.
TRV