adverb from the same as ἑκούσιον; voluntarily:--wilfully, willingly.
Transliteration:hekousíōs
Pronunciation:hek-oo-see'-ose
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἑκουσίως (G1596, *hekousíōs*) is derived from the adjective ἑκούσιος (G1595, *hekousios*), meaning "voluntary" or "of one's own accord." As an adverb, *hekousíōs* therefore denotes an action performed **voluntarily**, **willingly**, **spontaneously**, or **of one's own free will**. It emphasizes the internal disposition of the agent, highlighting a lack of coercion or external compulsion. The semantic range can extend from a positive, eager willingness to a more neutral sense of simply not being forced. In certain contexts, it can also carry a negative connotation of "wilfully" or "deliberately" in the sense of a conscious choice for error or rebellion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἑκουσίως (G1596) appears in the New Testament in two significant passages, each revealing a distinct yet related nuance:
* **Hebrews 10:26:** "For if we sin *wilfully* after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins."
* Here, *hekousíōs* carries a grave and solemn weight. "Wilfully" implies a deliberate, conscious, and unrepentant turning away from known truth and a rejection of Christ's atoning sacrifice. It is not a sin of ignorance, weakness, or unintentional transgression, but a defiant act of the will. The context is a severe warning against apostasy, emphasizing the finality of such a deliberate rejection of God's grace and the unique sacrifice of Christ. The sin described is a persistent, intentional turning away from the light, not a momentary stumble.
* **1 Peter 5:2:** "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but *willingly*..."
* In this passage, *hekousíōs* is contrasted with "by constraint" (ἀναγκαστῶς, `{{G316}}`). Peter exhorts elders to shepherd God's flock not out of obligation, compulsion, or for personal gain (e.g., "for filthy lucre"), but out of a genuine, eager, and willing heart. This highlights the internal motivation for service, emphasizing love for God and His people as the driving force, rather than mere duty or external pressure. It speaks to the authenticity and joy that should characterize spiritual leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἑκούσιος (G1595, *hekousios*):** The adjective form, meaning "voluntary," "spontaneous." This root emphasizes the concept of free will and uncoerced action.
* **προθύμως (G4291, *prothymōs*):** "Eagerly," "readily," "with alacrity." While *hekousíōs* focuses on the *absence of compulsion*, *prothymōs* emphasizes the *presence of eagerness* and zeal. They are complementary in describing willing and enthusiastic service.
* **ἀναγκαστῶς (G316, *anankastōs*):** "By constraint," "compulsorily." This is the direct antonym found in [[1 Peter 5:2]], highlighting the contrast between coerced action and voluntary action.
* **θέλω (G2309, *thelō*):** "To will," "to wish," "to desire." This verb captures the broader concept of volition and intention. *Hekousíōs* describes *how* something is willed – namely, voluntarily and without compulsion.
* **Deliberate Sin/Apostasy:** The concept in [[Hebrews 10:26]] relates to ἁμαρτάνω (G264, *hamartanō*), "to sin," but specifically focuses on sins committed with full knowledge and intention, distinguishing them from sins of ignorance or weakness. This highlights the profound moral responsibility attached to conscious choices against God.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of ἑκουσίως (G1596) carry significant theological weight, underscoring fundamental principles of human agency, divine grace, and the nature of Christian service:
* **Human Agency and Responsibility:** The use of *hekousíōs* powerfully underscores the biblical emphasis on human free will and accountability before God. Actions performed *hekousíōs* are truly the individual's own, carrying full moral weight and consequence. This word affirms that humanity is not merely a product of deterministic forces but possesses the capacity for genuine, uncoerced choice.
* **The Gravity of Deliberate Apostasy:** In [[Hebrews 10:26]], *hekousíōs* highlights the profound and eternal consequences of deliberate apostasy. It is not a mere lapse in faith or a moment of weakness, but a conscious, wilful rejection of the saving truth revealed in Christ. This passage serves as a severe warning against a hardened heart that deliberately spurns God's grace, emphasizing that such a rejection leaves no further recourse for salvation because it despises the very means of salvation.
* **The Heart of Authentic Christian Service:** In [[1 Peter 5:2]], *hekousíōs* defines the ideal motivation for spiritual leadership and service within the church. True service is not a grudging duty, a response to external pressure, or a means to personal gain, but springs from a willing, uncoerced heart animated by love for Christ and His people. This voluntary spirit reflects the very nature of God's grace, which is freely given, and prioritizes the integrity and authenticity required of those who shepherd the flock. It stands in stark contrast to legalistic approaches that emphasize external obedience without internal willingness.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ἑκουσίως (G1596, *hekousíōs*) fundamentally means "voluntarily" or "willingly," emphasizing actions performed out of free will rather than compulsion. Its two crucial appearances in the New Testament illuminate distinct yet interconnected theological truths. In [[Hebrews 10:26]], it underscores the extreme gravity of "wilfully" sinning after receiving knowledge of the truth, signifying a deliberate and unrepentant rejection of Christ's unique sacrifice. Conversely, in [[1 Peter 5:2]], *hekousíōs* defines the essential disposition for spiritual leadership, urging elders to shepherd the flock "willingly" rather than under constraint. Together, these uses highlight the profound significance of human will and motivation in both rejecting and embracing God's truth, and in the authentic, heartfelt performance of Christian service. The word thus serves as a powerful reminder of human responsibility and the critical role of the heart's disposition in all spiritual matters.
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