neuter of a derivative from ἑκών; voluntariness:--willingly.
Transliteration:hekoúsion
Pronunciation:hek-oo'-see-on
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1595 (ἑκούσιον, hekoúsion) is a neuter noun, often used adverbially, derived from the root ἑκών (hekōn), which means "willing, of one's own accord." Its core meaning revolves around the concept of voluntariness, denoting an action or state that proceeds from one's own free will, without external compulsion, pressure, or reluctance. It emphasizes internal motivation, cheerful compliance, and deliberate choice. The term stands in direct opposition to actions performed out of necessity, obligation, or duress, highlighting the unforced and intentional nature of the act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἑκούσιον appears in two significant passages within the New Testament, each shedding light on its profound implications:
* **[[Hebrews 10:26]]**: "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins."
* Here, ἑκούσιον is used adverbially with the verb "to sin" (ἁμαρτάνω). "Sinning willfully" (ἑκουσίως ἁμαρτάνω) signifies a deliberate, intentional, and uncoerced act of rebellion against known divine truth. This is not a sin of ignorance, weakness, or inadvertence, but a conscious and resolute rejection of God's grace and the atoning work of Christ. The context is a solemn warning against apostasy, implying that such a willful turning away from the truth, after having once embraced it, leaves no further avenue for expiation, as the only sacrifice for sin has been decisively rejected.
* **[[Philemon 1:14]]**: "But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly."
* In this instance, Paul, writing concerning Onesimus, expresses his desire that Philemon's act of receiving and forgiving Onesimus should be ἑκούσιον – "willingly" or "of your own accord," rather than "of necessity" (ἀνάγκη, G318). Paul could have commanded Philemon, but he appeals to Philemon's own volition, emphasizing that genuine Christian charity, forgiveness, and reconciliation are most profound and pleasing to God when they flow from a free, unforced, and loving heart. This highlights the importance of authentic, uncoerced grace within the Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἑκών (hekōn) - G1635**: The root word from which ἑκούσιον is derived, directly meaning "willing" or "of one's own accord."
* **ἀνάγκη (anankē) - G318**: "Necessity, compulsion, distress." This word serves as the direct antonym to ἑκούσιον in [[Philemon 1:14]], emphasizing the contrast between actions done under duress and those done freely.
* **θέλημα (thelēma) - G2307**: "Will, desire, purpose." While broader in scope, ἑκούσιον describes actions that align with one's own θέλημα, particularly when that will is uncoerced.
* **προαίρεσις (proairesis) - G4264**: "Choice, purpose, deliberate intention." This term shares the semantic field of intentionality and free will, though it focuses more on the act of choosing.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The concept of "freewill offerings" (e.g., `{{H5071}}` *nᵉdāvâ*) in the Hebrew Bible resonates with the idea of ἑκούσιον. These offerings were distinct from mandatory sacrifices and highlighted the worshiper's willing heart and generous disposition in presenting gifts to God (e.g., [[Leviticus 7:16]], [[Deuteronomy 12:6]]). This demonstrates a consistent biblical emphasis on the heart's unforced disposition in worship and obedience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἑκούσιον is profound, touching upon human volition, the nature of sin, and the authenticity of Christian love:
* **Human Volition and Responsibility**: The term unequivocally affirms the reality of human free will and moral responsibility. Actions performed ἑκούσιον are fully attributable to the individual, carrying significant ethical and spiritual weight. God interacts with humanity as moral agents capable of genuine choice.
* **The Gravity of Willful Sin**: In [[Hebrews 10:26]], "sinning willfully" is presented as a particularly grave offense. It is not merely a transgression but a deliberate act of rebellion against known truth and grace. This concept underscores the seriousness of apostasy and highlights that some sins, due to their conscious and intentional nature, indicate a hardened heart that has rejected the only means of salvation provided in Christ. It emphasizes that culpability is heightened when one acts with full knowledge and conscious rejection.
* **The Essence of Christian Love and Service**: In [[Philemon 1:14]], ἑκούσιον illuminates a fundamental principle of Christian ethics: true love, forgiveness, and service are not compelled but flow from a transformed and willing heart. God desires obedience and love that are freely given, reflecting His own nature as a generous and uncoerced Giver. This principle ensures that acts of charity and reconciliation are genuine expressions of faith and not mere legalistic compliance.
* **The Heart's Disposition Before God**: Across its uses, ἑκούσιον points to the internal disposition of the heart. God looks beyond the external act to the motive and will behind it. A "willing" heart, whether in obedience, giving, or reconciliation, is pleasing to God, as it demonstrates genuine faith and love.
### Summary
The Greek word G1595 (ἑκούσιον, hekoúsion) signifies that which is done "willingly," "voluntarily," or "of one's own accord," emphasizing the absence of compulsion or necessity. Its occurrences in the New Testament highlight critical theological truths. In [[Hebrews 10:26]], "sinning willfully" underscores the severe consequences of a deliberate, conscious rejection of known divine truth, emphasizing human accountability for intentional rebellion. In [[Philemon 1:14]], Paul's desire for Philemon's benefit to be ἑκούσιον illuminates the nature of authentic Christian love and reconciliation, which must flow from a free and willing heart, not from obligation or coercion. Together, these uses underscore the profound importance of human volition and the heart's disposition in both sin and righteous living, revealing God's desire for a truly willing and unforced response from His people.
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