from ἐπί and νοῦς; attention of the mind, i.e. (by implication) purpose:--thought.
Transliteration:epínoia
Pronunciation:ep-in'-oy-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπίνοια (G1963), transliterated as *epínoia*, is a compound formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the noun νοῦς (nous) `{{G3563}}`, meaning "mind," "intellect," or "understanding." Etymologically, it conveys the idea of the mind being directed *upon* something, or an *application* of thought. Its core meaning is therefore "attention of the mind" or "a thought directed towards something." By implication, this focused mental activity naturally leads to a "purpose," "design," "intention," or "plan." It signifies a deliberate mental act, a considered thought that can shape one's will or actions, rather than a fleeting idea. The semantic range includes contemplation, invention, design, and a settled purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπίνοια (G1963) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly significant for understanding its biblical usage.
* **[[Acts 8:22]]**: "Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the *thought* of your heart may be forgiven you."
* This verse is part of Peter's sharp rebuke to Simon Magus. Simon, having witnessed the apostles impart the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, attempted to buy this spiritual power with money. Peter's condemnation is severe: "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!" ([[Acts 8:20]]). The subsequent call to repentance directly addresses Simon's ἐπίνοια – the "thought" or "purpose" of his heart.
* In this context, ἐπίνοια clearly refers to Simon's wicked intention, his corrupt design, and his self-serving purpose. It is not merely an abstract idea but a deeply rooted moral failing originating from his "heart" (`{{G2588}}`), which in biblical anthropology is the seat of one's will, intellect, and moral character. The use of ἐπίνοια here underscores that Simon's sin was not just an external act of offering money, but stemmed from a profoundly misguided and ungodly internal disposition. Peter's instruction to pray for the forgiveness of this ἐπίνοια highlights that even the intentions and purposes of the heart are subject to God's judgment and require repentance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐπίνοια (G1963) is enhanced by considering its relationship to other Greek terms concerning the mind and intention:
* **νοῦς (nous) `{{G3563}}`**: The root of ἐπίνοια, referring to the mind, intellect, understanding, or moral consciousness. ἐπίνοια is an active application or product of the νοῦς.
* **διάνοια (dianoia) `{{G1271}}`**: Similar to ἐπίνοια in denoting mental activity or thought, but often referring more broadly to the faculty of thinking, the understanding, or the result of deep thought. While διάνοια can encompass evil thoughts (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:3]]), ἐπίνοια in its biblical usage specifically highlights the *purpose* or *design* behind such thoughts.
* **βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`**: Signifies "counsel," "purpose," or "will," often implying a settled plan or determination, whether human or divine. While ἐπίνοια can lead to a βουλή, the latter often suggests a more fixed and decisive intention.
* **καρδία (kardia) `{{G2588}}`**: "Heart." As seen in [[Acts 8:22]], the ἐπίνοια originates from the heart, emphasizing its deep-seated nature as a moral and volitional center. The biblical understanding is that true intentions and purposes flow from the heart.
* **γνώμη (gnōmē) `{{G1106}}`**: "Opinion," "judgment," "purpose," "will." Can refer to a resolution or decision, which is a step beyond merely a thought or intention.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἐπίνοια (G1963) in [[Acts 8:22]] carries profound theological weight, particularly in its context within Peter's rebuke of Simon Magus.
1. **Moral Accountability for Inner Intentions**: The most significant theological implication is that God holds individuals accountable not only for their outward actions but also for the inner ἐπίνοια – the thoughts, purposes, and intentions of the heart. Simon's sin was not just his offer of money, but the corrupt motivation and design behind it. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that sin originates in the heart (e.g., [[Matthew 15:19]]).
2. **The Purity of Motive in Ministry**: The episode with Simon Magus serves as a powerful warning against impure motives in seeking or exercising spiritual gifts. Simon's ἐπίνοια was driven by self-aggrandizement and materialism, a stark contrast to the selfless and Spirit-led ministry of the apostles. True ministry must flow from a heart devoted to God's glory, not personal gain.
3. **The Necessity of Repentance for Inner Sin**: Peter's call for Simon to "repent... and pray to the Lord that... the thought of your heart may be forgiven you" underscores that repentance must extend beyond external behaviors to the very core of one's being – the intentions and designs of the mind and heart. This highlights the radical nature of biblical repentance, which seeks to transform one's inner disposition.
4. **Divine Omniscience and Judgment**: The fact that Simon's ἐπίνοια was exposed and rebuked by Peter, acting under the Spirit's inspiration, implicitly testifies to God's omniscience. God sees and judges the deepest recesses of the human heart, where intentions are formed. This reinforces the biblical truth that "the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought" ([[1 Chronicles 28:9]]).
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπίνοια (G1963) signifies an "attention of the mind" that leads to a "purpose" or "design." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Acts 8:22]], is highly instructive. There, it describes the wicked "thought" or "purpose" of Simon Magus's heart – his corrupt intention to purchase spiritual power. This singular usage profoundly emphasizes that God judges not only outward actions but also the inner ἐπίνοια – the deep-seated intentions and designs of the human heart. It underscores the critical importance of pure motives in one's relationship with God and in ministry, and highlights that genuine repentance must extend to the very core of one's being, seeking forgiveness for the innermost thoughts and purposes. ἐπίνοια thus serves as a powerful reminder of divine omniscience and the comprehensive nature of biblical accountability.
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