### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1760 (enthyméomai) is derived from a compound of ἐν (en, "in" or "within") and θυμός (thymos, `{{G2372}}`), which denotes the spirit, soul, passion, or the seat of emotions and thought. Etymologically, it signifies "to have something in one's thymos" or "to put into one's mind/spirit." The core meaning of enthyméomai is "to ponder," "to consider deeply," or "to reflect upon." It implies a sustained and significant mental activity, going beyond a fleeting thought to encompass deliberation, planning, or even an internal wrestling with an idea or situation. This word suggests a process of turning something over in one's mind, often with a view toward reaching a conclusion or making a decision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1760 (enthyméomai) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 1:20]]**: "But when he had *considered* this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'"
* The context here is Joseph's profound dilemma upon discovering Mary's pregnancy before their marriage. The phrase "when he had enthyméomai this" (ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος) indicates that Joseph was not acting impulsively but was engaged in deep, internal deliberation. He was carefully weighing the implications of the situation according to the Mosaic Law and his own righteous character. His "pondering" likely involved considering his options, including his initial decision to divorce her quietly, which was an act of mercy but still a weighty choice. This sole occurrence highlights the seriousness of his internal struggle and the depth of his moral consideration before divine intervention brought clarity and direction.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G1761}}` (enthymēsis): This is the noun form of enthyméomai, meaning "a thought," "a pondering," or "a deliberation." It appears multiple times in the New Testament (e.g., [[Matthew 9:4]], [[Matthew 12:25]], [[Acts 17:29]], [[Hebrews 4:12]]), often referring to the inner thoughts or intentions of the heart, which are known to God. This noun reinforces the concept of internal mental activity that enthyméomai conveys.
* `{{G2372}}` (thymos): The root of enthyméomai, referring to the spirit, soul, or the seat of emotions and thoughts. Its presence in the compound word emphasizes the deep, internal nature of the pondering.
* `{{G3049}}` (logizomai): To reckon, consider, or count. While similar in meaning, logizomai often implies a more calculative or logical process, whereas enthyméomai suggests a deeper, more personal, and sometimes emotionally charged reflection.
* `{{G1270}}` (dianoia) and `{{G3563}}` (nous): Broader terms for the mind, understanding, or intellect, signifying the faculty of thought. enthyméomai describes a specific *action* of this faculty.
* `{{G1223}}` (dialegomai): To discuss or reason. This word typically implies an externalized form of thought, often in dialogue with others, in contrast to the internal reflection conveyed by enthyméomai.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G1760 in [[Matthew 1:20]] carries significant theological weight. It portrays Joseph as a man of deep contemplation and moral integrity. His "pondering" was not idle speculation but a serious engagement with a profound personal and theological crisis.
1. **Human Deliberation and Divine Intervention**: The passage illustrates that God often allows for and respects human deliberation, even in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Joseph's internal struggle and careful consideration of the situation, according to his understanding of righteousness, set the stage for the divine revelation. The angel's appearance does not negate the value of his prior thoughts but rather provides the necessary divine clarity and direction that his human wisdom alone could not attain.
2. **The Inner Life of Faith**: The word highlights the importance of the inner life of a believer—the thoughts, intentions, and struggles of the heart and mind. Joseph's example suggests that faith is not merely external obedience but involves profound internal processing, questioning, and seeking understanding, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable paradoxes.
3. **God's Knowledge of the Heart**: While enthyméomai describes human thought, its related noun enthymēsis (`{{G1761}}`) is used to describe thoughts known to Jesus (e.g., [[Matthew 9:4]], [[Matthew 12:25]]). This connection implicitly underscores the biblical truth that God sees and understands the deepest recesses of the human heart and mind, even our most private ponderings.
### Summary
G1760 (enthyméomai) denotes a deep, internal process of thought, reflection, or pondering. Rooted in the concept of the thymos (`{{G2372}}`) as the seat of the mind and emotions, it signifies a sustained and significant mental engagement with a matter. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament ([[Matthew 1:20]]) powerfully depicts Joseph's earnest and troubled deliberation concerning Mary's pregnancy before divine intervention provided guidance. This word underscores the human capacity for profound moral and intellectual consideration, and implicitly, God's attentiveness to the inner life of those who seek to walk righteously, even in moments of profound uncertainty.
TRV