from a compound of ἐν and νοῦς; thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding:--intent, mind.
Transliteration:énnoia
Pronunciation:en'-noy-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἔννοια (énnoia, `{{G1771}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (en, "in") and the noun νοῦς (nous, `{{G3563}}`, "mind" or "intellect"). This etymology suggests an "inward thought" or "inward mental disposition." The base definition provided, "thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding," highlights that ἔννοια is not merely a fleeting idea but a settled disposition of the mind, often with a strong ethical or moral dimension. It speaks to the underlying purpose, intent, or the faculty of understanding as it relates to one's moral orientation. It signifies the direction and quality of one's inner thought life, extending beyond simple cognition to include volitional and ethical resolve.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔννοια appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering significant insight into its semantic range:
1. **[[1 Peter 4:1]]**: "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same **attitude** (ἔννοια), because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin."
* Here, ἔννοια is often translated as "attitude," "mind," or "purpose." The context is one of suffering for righteousness' sake, mirroring Christ's suffering. The exhortation is for believers to adopt a settled, resolute disposition—a moral readiness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ. This "attitude" is not passive acceptance but an active, internal resolve that leads to a cessation from sin, implying a redirection of one's entire moral being toward God's will, even in the face of persecution. It speaks to a deep, ethical commitment.
2. **[[Hebrews 4:12]]**: "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the **thoughts** (ἐνθυμήσεων) and **intentions** (ἐννοιῶν) of the heart."
* In this profound verse, ἔννοια is rendered "intentions" and is paired with ἐνθύμησις (enthymēsis, `{{G1761}}`, "thoughts" or "reflections"). The Word of God is depicted as possessing an unparalleled penetrative power, reaching beyond the superficial to discern the deepest recesses of human existence. While ἐνθύμησις might refer to the active process of thinking or mental reflections, ἔννοια points to the underlying purposes, moral aims, and settled designs of the heart. The pairing emphasizes the comprehensive scrutiny of the divine Word, which judges not only what one thinks but *why* one thinks it, revealing the true moral orientation of the inner person.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἔννοια is enhanced by examining its relationship to other terms concerning the mind and inner life:
* **νοῦς (nous, `{{G3563}}`):** As the root word, νοῦς refers to the mind, intellect, or understanding. ἔννοια represents a specific *state*, *direction*, or *product* of the νοῦς, particularly its moral or intentional aspect.
* **ἐνθύμησις (enthymēsis, `{{G1761}}`):** As seen in [[Hebrews 4:12]], this term denotes "thoughts" or "reflections." While closely related to ἔννοια, ἐνθύμησις may emphasize the active mental process, whereas ἔννοια suggests a more deeply seated purpose or moral resolve.
* **διάνοια (dianoia, `{{G1271}}`):** This word also signifies "understanding," "mind," or "thought," often emphasizing the *faculty* of understanding or the *process* of thinking through something. ἔννοια focuses more on the *content* or *disposition* of that understanding, especially its moral quality.
* **καρδία (kardia, `{{G2588}}`):** The "heart" in biblical anthropology represents the totality of the inner person—intellect, will, and emotion. The "intentions" (ἔννοια) are understood to originate from or be discerned within the καρδία, underscoring the holistic nature of biblical understanding of human moral agency.
* **Moral Understanding/Disposition:** The overarching concept tied to ἔννοια is the ethical quality of one's internal state. It moves beyond mere cognition to encompass a settled moral stance or purpose.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔννοια is profound, touching upon divine omniscience, human accountability, and the call to spiritual transformation:
* **Divine Discernment and Judgment:** [[Hebrews 4:12]] powerfully asserts God's ability, through His living Word, to penetrate the deepest recesses of human consciousness. The discernment of "intentions" (ἔννοια) signifies that God sees beyond outward actions and even conscious thoughts to the underlying purposes and moral dispositions of the heart. This underscores divine justice and the ultimate accountability of humanity before a God who knows the very core of our being. It highlights that true righteousness involves the inner person, not just external conformity.
* **Ethical Resolve and Spiritual Warfare:** In [[1 Peter 4:1]], ἔννοια points to the necessity of a specific, Christ-like "attitude" or "mindset" for believers facing suffering. This is not a passive resignation but an active, moral resolve that equips one to cease from sin and live according to God's will. It emphasizes that the spiritual life is a battle for the mind and intentions, requiring a deliberate choice to align one's inner disposition with Christ's suffering and obedience. This internal transformation is crucial for faithful endurance and victorious living.
* **Holistic Piety:** The use of ἔννοια reinforces the biblical emphasis on the internal, rather than merely external, aspects of piety. True worship and obedience are not just about actions but about the underlying "intentions" and "attitudes" of the heart. This calls believers to cultivate a genuine inner life that reflects the character and will of God.
### Summary
The Greek term ἔννοια (énnoia, `{{G1771}}`), derived from ἐν (in) and νοῦς (mind), signifies an "inward thought," "moral understanding," or "settled intention." Its two New Testament occurrences illuminate its depth and significance. In [[1 Peter 4:1]], it denotes a resolute "attitude" or "mindset" to suffer for Christ, leading to a cessation from sin and a life aligned with God's will. In [[Hebrews 4:12]], it refers to the deep "intentions" of the heart that the living and active Word of God is uniquely capable of discerning, alongside "thoughts" (`{{G1761}}`). This term underscores the biblical emphasis on the inner moral disposition of humanity, highlighting God's profound knowledge of our deepest purposes and calling believers to cultivate a Christ-like inner resolve, particularly in the face of adversity. ἔννοια speaks to the core of one's spiritual and ethical orientation before God.
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