### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun λογισμός (logismós, `{{G3053}}`) derives from the verb λογίζομαι (logizomai, `{{G3049}}`), which means "to reckon, calculate, count, consider, or take into account." At its root, λογισμός signifies a "computation" or "calculation." Figuratively, its semantic range extends to encompass the internal processes of the mind: "reasoning," "deliberation," "thought," or "reflection." It can denote the *result* of such mental activity, a "conclusion" or "judgment." Crucially, in biblical usage, λογισμός often takes on a negative connotation, referring to "vain imaginings," "evil thoughts," "schemes," "speculations," or "conceit" that stand in opposition to divine truth. Thus, it describes the internal workings of the mind, encompassing both neutral intellectual activity and, more often in the New Testament, the rebellious or misguided products of human reasoning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λογισμός appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each instance carries significant weight for understanding its nuanced meaning.
In [[Romans 2:15]], Paul writes concerning Gentiles who do not possess the written Law: "their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts (τῶν λογισμῶν) accusing or else excusing them." Here, λογισμός refers to the internal deliberations and moral judgments of the conscience. It describes the natural human capacity for self-assessment and moral reasoning, where the mind processes actions and intentions, leading to either self-condemnation or self-justification. In this context, the word carries a more neutral or functional sense, highlighting the innate moral compass within humanity.
The most profound and theologically significant occurrence of λογισμός is found in [[2 Corinthians 10:5]]: "casting down arguments (λογισμοὺς) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." In this passage, λογισμοὺς is undeniably negative. It refers to human intellectual constructs, proud reasonings, philosophical speculations, or self-exalting thoughts that oppose or undermine the truth of God's revelation. These "arguments" are presented as "strongholds" (v. 4) that must be demolished by spiritual warfare, not by human might but by divine power. The apostle Paul emphasizes that the battle for the mind is central to the Christian walk, requiring believers to actively dismantle these rebellious thoughts and subject all their thinking to the authority of Christ. This verse underscores the spiritual danger of human intellect when it operates independently of, or in opposition to, God.
The Septuagint (LXX) often translates Hebrew words like מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashavah, `{{H4284}}`, "thought, plan, device," often with evil intent) or מַזִּמָּה (mazimmah, `{{H4209}}`, "wicked device, scheme") with λογισμός, further establishing its potential for negative connotation in the biblical tradition (e.g., Proverbs 6:18 LXX).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding λογισμός is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms concerning the mind and thought:
* **λογίζομαι (logizomai, `{{G3049}}`):** The verbal root from which λογισμός is derived. This verb signifies the active process of "reckoning," "considering," or "counting." It is fundamental to grasping the dynamic nature implied by the noun.
* **νοῦς (nous, `{{G3563}}`):** This term refers to the "mind" or "understanding" as a faculty—the seat of intellectual perception, moral judgment, and spiritual apprehension. While νοῦς denotes the capacity itself, λογισμός often describes the *activity* or *product* of that capacity.
* **νόημα (noēma, `{{G3540}}`):** Meaning "thought," "purpose," or "design." In [[2 Corinthians 10:5]], λογισμοὺς is followed by "bringing every thought (πᾶν νόημα) into captivity." While λογισμός can refer to the process of reasoning, νόημα more directly refers to the specific content or outcome of a thought. Both can carry negative connotations in contexts of spiritual opposition.
* **διάνοια (dianoia, `{{G1271}}`):** Signifies "understanding," "mind," or "thought," often emphasizing the deeper intentions or disposition of the inner person. It relates to the faculty of thought and the thoughts themselves, similar to νοῦς but often with a focus on moral or spiritual understanding.
* **καρδία (kardia, `{{G2588}}`):** The "heart," which in biblical anthropology is the comprehensive center of a person's being, encompassing intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. Thoughts (λογισμοί) are understood to originate from the heart, reflecting its underlying disposition and intentions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λογισμός is profound, particularly in its negative connotation within [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
First, it highlights **the battle for the mind** as a central arena of spiritual warfare. The "arguments" or "reasonings" (λογισμοὺς) that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God are not merely intellectual errors but spiritual strongholds that require divine power to dismantle. This underscores the need for believers to be vigilant over their thought life, recognizing that intellectual pride and humanistic reasoning can be potent weapons of spiritual opposition.
Second, λογισμός points to the inherent **tension between human autonomy and divine revelation**. When human λογισμοί become "high things" that exalt themselves against God's knowledge, it signifies a rebellion of the intellect, where fallen humanity attempts to reason independently of or in opposition to its Creator. This resonates with the concept of "futile thoughts" (διαλογισμοῖς, `{{G1261}}`, a related term) in [[Romans 1:21]], where humanity's rejection of God leads to darkened understanding. True wisdom and knowledge, therefore, are not found in autonomous human reasoning but in humble submission to God's revealed truth.
Third, the usage in [[Romans 2:15]] affirms the **role of conscience** as a witness to God's moral law, even for those without direct access to written scripture. The "thoughts" (λογισμοὶ) of the conscience can accuse or excuse, demonstrating an innate moral capacity implanted by the Creator. This points to a general revelation of God's moral standard, accessible to all humanity.
Finally, the command to bring "every thought" into captivity to Christ's obedience ([[2 Corinthians 10:5]]) emphasizes the **sanctification of the mind**. Christian transformation is not merely behavioral but deeply intellectual and volitional. It demands a radical reorientation of one's thinking, aligning all λογισμοί with the truth and will of God, thereby fostering a renewed mind ([[Romans 12:2]]).
### Summary
λογισμός (logismós, `{{G3053}}`) denotes "computation" or "reasoning," stemming from λογίζομαι (`{{G3049}}`) meaning "to reckon." In the New Testament, it describes the internal workings of the mind, ranging from the neutral function of conscience in moral deliberation ([[Romans 2:15]]) to its more prevalent and significant usage as "arguments" or "reasonings" that are hostile to God. In [[2 Corinthians 10:5]], λογισμοὺς represents intellectual pride and human speculations that exalt themselves against divine knowledge, highlighting the spiritual battle for the mind. This term underscores both humanity's innate capacity for moral judgment and the fallen intellect's tendency towards rebellion against God, emphasizing the critical need for believers to dismantle such rebellious thoughts and submit every aspect of their thinking to the obedience of Christ.
TRV