from the prolonged form of θέλω; a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination:-- desire, pleasure, will.
Transliteration:thélēma
Pronunciation:thel'-ay-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun θέλημα (thélēma), transliterated as *thélēma*, is derived from the prolonged form of the verb θέλω (thelō) `{{G2309}}`, meaning "to will" or "to wish." As such, thélēma fundamentally denotes "that which is willed" or "the act of willing." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing both active and passive dimensions of volition.
In its active sense, thélēma refers to a deliberate determination, a choice, a purpose, a decree, or abstractly, volition itself. This aspect emphasizes the intentionality and often the sovereign power behind the will. When applied to God, it speaks of His divine plan, His sovereign decree, and His active intent.
In its passive sense, thélēma can signify an inclination, a desire, or pleasure. While still related to an underlying will, this nuance often describes the object of desire or the state of being pleased. This can apply to both divine and human desires.
Therefore, thélēma is more than a mere wish; it implies an active resolve or a settled disposition, often with a view towards execution or outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term thélēma appears frequently in the New Testament, predominantly referring to the will of God. Its diverse contexts reveal various facets of divine and human volition.
1. **God's Sovereign Purpose and Plan:** Often, thélēma refers to God's overarching, eternal purpose and plan for creation and redemption. For example, Paul frequently begins his epistles by stating he is an apostle "by the will of God" ([[1 Corinthians 1:1]], [[2 Corinthians 1:1]], [[Ephesians 1:1]], [[Colossians 1:1]]), indicating that his ministry is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. Similarly, the salvation of believers is consistently attributed to God's will ([[John 6:39-40]], [[Ephesians 1:5]], [[Ephesians 1:9]], [[1 Timothy 2:4]]). In [[Acts 21:14]], when Paul insists on going to Jerusalem despite warnings, the disciples resign themselves, saying, "The Lord's will be done," acknowledging God's ultimate control over events.
2. **God's Moral Commands and Righteous Requirements:** thélēma also denotes God's revealed will concerning human conduct and righteousness. Jesus states that only "the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven" will enter the kingdom of heaven ([[Matthew 7:21]]). Believers are exhorted to "discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" ([[Romans 12:2]]), and to understand "what the will of the Lord is" ([[Ephesians 5:17]]). This aspect emphasizes obedience and conformity to divine standards, particularly in areas like sanctification ([[1 Thessalonians 4:3]]) and giving thanks ([[1 Thessalonians 5:18]]).
3. **Christ's Perfect Submission to the Father's Will:** A profound use of thélēma is found in the life of Jesus, who consistently declared His mission was to do the will of the Father. He stated, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work" ([[John 4:34]]). In Gethsemane, facing immense suffering, He prayed, "Yet not My will, but Yours be done" ([[Luke 22:42]]), embodying ultimate submission and obedience even unto death.
4. **Human Will and Desire:** Less frequently, thélēma refers to human will or desire, sometimes in contrast to God's will. For instance, those born of God are "born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" ([[John 1:13]]). This highlights the inability of human volition alone to effect spiritual birth. The phrase "desires of the flesh" or "will of the flesh" ([[Ephesians 2:3]], [[1 Peter 4:3]]) indicates sinful human inclinations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of thélēma is enriched by examining its relationship with other significant Greek terms:
* **θέλω (thelō) `{{G2309}}`**: This is the verb from which thélēma is derived. While thelō describes the act of willing or desiring, thélēma refers to the *product* or *content* of that will—the determination, purpose, or desire itself.
* **βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`**: Often translated as "counsel," "purpose," or "plan," especially in reference to God's deliberate and predetermined design ([[Acts 2:23]], [[Acts 4:28]]). While similar to thélēma in denoting divine purpose, boulē emphasizes the *deliberation* and *pre-planning*, whereas thélēma emphasizes the *volition* or *content* of the will.
* **πρόθεσις (prothesis) `{{G4297}}`**: Meaning "purpose" or "plan," particularly God's eternal design ([[Romans 8:28]], [[Ephesians 3:11]]). Like boulē, it overlaps with thélēma in conveying divine intention.
* **δύναμις (dynamis) `{{G1411}}`**: "Power" or "ability." God's will (thélēma) is often inherently linked to His power to execute it, demonstrating that His purposes are not mere wishes but are effective and irresistible.
* **Obedience and Knowledge**: Concepts such as ὑπακοή (hypakoē - obedience) `{{G5218}}` and γνῶσις (gnōsis - knowledge) `{{G1108}}` are intimately connected to thélēma. To do God's will presupposes a knowledge of it and a willingness to obey.
### Theological Significance
The concept of thélēma holds profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of God, humanity's relationship with Him, and the essence of Christian living.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** The frequent use of thélēma in reference to God underscores His absolute sovereignty. His will is not subject to external forces or human limitations; it is the ultimate determinant of reality and the unfolding of history. This divine will is immutable, wise, and good, forming the bedrock of theological understanding.
2. **The Nature of Revelation and Relationship:** God's will is not entirely concealed but is progressively revealed through Scripture, the person of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This revelation enables believers to understand and participate in God's purposes, fostering a relational dynamic where knowing God's will leads to deeper communion.
3. **Human Responsibility and Discipleship:** While God's sovereign will is unthwartable, humanity is called to a responsible response to His moral will. Discerning and doing God's will is central to true discipleship and spiritual maturity ([[Romans 12:2]]). It involves a transformation of mind and heart, moving from self-will to God-will, which is described as "good and acceptable and perfect."
4. **The Example of Christ:** Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the doing of God's will. His life, ministry, and sacrificial death were entirely in submission to the Father's thélēma. He is the ultimate paradigm for human obedience, demonstrating that true freedom and fulfillment are found in alignment with divine purpose.
5. **Sanctification and Prayer:** Knowing and doing God's will is intrinsically linked to the process of sanctification ([[1 Thessalonians 4:3]]), where believers are conformed to Christ's image. Furthermore, the petition "Your will be done" ([[Matthew 6:10]]) in the Lord's Prayer signifies a profound trust in God's wisdom and goodness, aligning human desires with divine purposes in prayer.
### Summary
The Greek word θέλημα (thélēma) signifies "will," "purpose," or "desire," derived from the verb "to will" (`{{G2309}}`). It encompasses both the active determination and sovereign decree, particularly of God, as well as the passive inclination or pleasure. In the New Testament, thélēma predominantly refers to the divine will, highlighting God's eternal plan, His moral commands, and His specific direction. It is a central concept for understanding God's sovereignty, His revelation to humanity, and the call for human obedience. The life of Jesus stands as the supreme example of perfect submission to the Father's thélēma. Theologically, thélēma undergirds the doctrines of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, sanctification, and the very nature of a life lived in communion with God.
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