The Greek word thélēma, represented by G2307, refers to a determination or choice. It appears 64 times across 60 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning encompasses active concepts like purpose and decree, as well as passive ones like inclination or desire. The term is used to describe both the will of God and the desires of humanity.
While G2307 often denotes God's sovereign, unchangeable purpose, it also frequently captures His moral or prescriptive will, which humanity is called to discern and obey. This distinction is crucial for understanding passages that speak of God's universal desire for salvation versus the reality of human rejection. The term thus moves beyond a simple "wish" to convey a settled disposition, an active intention, or a divine decree that shapes reality. It embodies both the inherent nature of God's character and His specific directives for His creation, forming the blueprint for existence and the pathway for righteousness.
In scripture, G2307 is used in several critical contexts. It is frequently associated with the divine purpose of God, as seen in the prayer, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" Matthew 6:10. Fulfilling the Father's will is presented as the condition for entering the kingdom of heaven Matthew 7:21. Christ models perfect submission, stating, "not my will, but thine, be done" Luke 22:42. The word also describes human volition, such as being born "not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" John 1:13, and the "desires" of the flesh and mind Ephesians 2:3.
Beyond its role in the life of Christ and general Christian living, G2307 frequently defines the calling and authority of apostles, framing their ministry as directly initiated and empowered by God's purpose. Paul consistently introduces himself as an apostle "through the will of God," underscoring the divine mandate behind his commission 1 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, 2 Timothy 1:1. This usage highlights that spiritual leadership and service are not born of human ambition or choice, but from a divine appointment.
G2307 is central to understanding the dynamic of suffering and endurance in the believer's life. Rather than being arbitrary, suffering can be understood as occurring "according to the will of God" 1 Peter 3:17, 1 Peter 4:19. This perspective encourages believers to commit their souls to God in well doing even amidst hardship, recognizing that even adversity falls within God's overarching purpose. The term also appears in contexts of spiritual warfare, where believers are warned against living "to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" 1 Peter 4:2, emphasizing a conscious redirection of one's life away from worldly desires towards divine objectives.
Several related Greek words help clarify the concept of will and purpose:
- G2309 thélō (to determine, wish, desire): This is the root verb from which G2307 is derived, focusing on the active choice or preference. It is used in contexts like, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine" John 7:17.
- G1014 boúlomai (to be willing, intend): This term denotes a passive acquiescence or disposition. It appears alongside G2307 in Jesus' prayer, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" Luke 22:42.
- G1012 boulḗ (counsel, purpose, will): This word refers to a determined plan or counsel. It is used to describe God's sovereign plan, who works all things "after the counsel of his own will" Ephesians 1:11.
- G2308 thélēsis (a desiring, a will): This noun is a close cognate of G2307, often used synonymously to denote purpose, intention, or desire. While G2307 can sometimes carry a stronger sense of a determined decree, G2308 more frequently emphasizes the act or faculty of willing. Both terms articulate the internal disposition that precedes action, whether divine or human.
The theological significance of G2307 is profound, touching on God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the work of Christ.
- Divine Purpose: God's will is the foundation for His creative and redemptive acts. All things were created for His pleasure Revelation 4:11, and believers are predestinated according to the good pleasure of His will Ephesians 1:5.
- Standard for Christian Living: Conforming to the will of God is a central theme for believers. This includes understanding what His will is Ephesians 5:17, abstaining from fornication 1 Thessalonians 4:3, and giving thanks in all circumstances 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Doing God's will results in abiding forever 1 John 2:17.
- Christ's Submission: Jesus provides the ultimate example of obedience to the Father's will. He states, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" John 5:30, and that his very purpose was to do the will of Him that sent him John 4:34.
- The Will as a Sphere of Knowledge and Discernment: Believers are not only called to do God's will but also actively to know and discern it. This involves a transformative process of the mind, enabling one to "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" Romans 12:2. It is a pursuit of wisdom and spiritual understanding, as seen in prayers that believers "might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" Colossians 1:9. This active seeking and knowing of God's will is presented as a mature aspect of Christian discipleship, moving beyond mere obedience to informed participation in God's purposes.
- Human Will and Divine Sovereignty in Salvation: While God's sovereign will is ultimately determinative, G2307 also underscores the limitations and fallen nature of the human will apart from divine intervention. Salvation is not born "of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" John 1:13, establishing that human volition alone cannot initiate spiritual birth. Furthermore, prophecy itself is stated to have "not in old time by the will of man" 2 Peter 1:21, highlighting that divine revelation transcends human desire or intent. This tension emphasizes God's initiative in redemption and the necessity of His grace to align human will with His own.
The Greek term G2307 thélēma stands as a foundational concept in the New Testament, encapsulating a broad semantic range from God's sovereign decree to human inclination. At its core, it speaks of a deliberate determination or choice, whether divine purpose, active intention, or settled desire. This term is indispensable for understanding the overarching plan of God for creation and redemption, being the very blueprint according to which all things were made and believers are predestinated Revelation 4:11, Ephesians 1:5.
Crucially, G2307 defines the standard for Christian existence and discipleship. It calls believers not only to a general obedience but to an active pursuit of understanding what the Lord's will is Ephesians 5:17, seeking to be filled with its knowledge Colossians 1:9, and demonstrating it through sanctification and thanksgiving 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Christ Himself provides the ultimate model, perfectly submitting His own volition to the Father's will, even unto death Luke 22:42, thereby fulfilling His divine mission to do the will of Him who sent Him John 4:34.
While God's G2307 is immutable and sovereign, the term also illuminates the nature of human will. It highlights humanity's fallen state, where individuals naturally follow the "desires of the flesh and of the mind" Ephesians 2:3, and salvation is explicitly stated as not originating from the "will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" John 1:13. This emphasizes human responsibility to align with the divine will, a journey often marked by suffering that, when endured "according to the will of God" 1 Peter 4:19, becomes a testament to faithful submission.
In essence, G2307 portrays a dynamic relationship between the divine and the human. It is the immovable foundation of God's character and actions, the vocational call for His servants 1 Corinthians 1:1, and the transformative goal for every believer. From the grand cosmic purposes to the intimate details of daily living, thélēma encapsulates the divine authority that shapes destiny and the required human response of faith, discernment, and unwavering obedience.
TRV