Word Study for G1760 (ἐνθυμέομαι)

enthyméomai /en-thoo-meh'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom a compound of ἐν and θυμός

Meaningto be inspirited, i.e. ponder

KJV usagethink.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of enthyméomai — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word enthyméomai, represented by G1760, refers to the act of pondering or thinking deeply. Derived from a compound of ἐν and θυμός, its base definition is to be inspirited, i.e. ponder:--think. This specific term appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its use in very particular contexts of deep consideration.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its scriptural usage, G1760 often precedes a moment of divine interaction. For instance, as Joseph thought on the matter of Mary's pregnancy, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream to provide guidance Matthew 1:20. Similarly, while Peter thought on the vision he had received, the Spirit spoke directly to him Acts 10:19. The word is also used to describe the internal deliberations of the human heart, which are known to God, as when Jesus perceived men who think evil in their hearts Matthew 9:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning of G1760:

G1761 enthýmēsis (deliberation:--device, thought): This is the noun form of the verb, representing the thought or deliberation itself. It is used when Jesus perceives their thoughts just before asking why they think evil Matthew 9:4.
G1492 eídō (to see... to know): This word, meaning to perceive or know, is directly linked to the act of thinking. Jesus is described as knowing their thoughts G1761 at the same moment he questions their internal thinking G1760 Matthew 9:4.
G2588 kardía (the heart... the thoughts or feelings (mind)): This term identifies the source of inner deliberation. The evil thinking G1760 Jesus addresses is taking place "in your hearts" Matthew 9:4, connecting the mind and the heart as the seat of pondering.

Theological Significance

The use of G1760 carries specific theological weight, particularly regarding the relationship between human thought and divine awareness.

Pondering as a Precursor to Revelation: The experiences of both Joseph and Peter show that a state of deep thought or pondering can immediately precede divine communication, whether through an angel G32 who appeared G5316 Matthew 1:20 or the Spirit who said G2036 what to do next Acts 10:19.
Divine Discernment of the Heart: The word highlights God's omniscience. Jesus is able to perceive and challenge evil thoughts that are occurring internally, demonstrating that the innermost deliberations of the heart G2588 are not hidden from Him Matthew 9:4.
Thinking as a Deliberate Act: Rather than a fleeting idea, G1760 describes a focused state of consideration. It is used when characters are mulling over significant events—a supernatural vision or a perplexing personal crisis—implying a sustained mental process of pondering.

Summary

In summary, enthyméomai G1760 is more than just the simple act of thinking; it signifies a deep and focused pondering. Though used infrequently, its appearances are pivotal, marking moments where human deliberation intersects with divine intervention. It reveals that our innermost thoughts are both a space where God can provide guidance and a state fully known and discerned by Him. The word thus illustrates a profound connection between the human mind and the spiritual realm.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×

Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Passive Deponent: Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive: Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew (2 verses); never once in the other 25.

Matthew

Acts

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.