English · KJV
G3563

νοῦς

noûs /nooce/ Ask about this word
Rootprobably from the base of γινώσκω
Meaningthe intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
KJV usagemind, understanding. Compare ψυχή.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of noûs — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word noûs, represented by G3563, refers to the intellect or mind. It appears 24 times across 22 unique verses in the Bible. The term encompasses the mind in its functions of thought, feeling, and will, referring to both the divine and human intellect. It is often translated as "mind" or "understanding."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3563 is used in several critical contexts. It is central to the concept of Christian transformation, as believers are called to be transformed by the "renewing of your mind" Romans 12:2 to prove God's will. Conversely, the unregenerate state is characterized by a corrupt or futile mind. God gives those who reject Him over to a "reprobate mind" Romans 1:28, and unbelievers are described as having a defiled mind and conscience Titus 1:15. The mind is also the seat of spiritual conflict, where a war is waged against the law of sin Romans 7:23. For believers, unity is expressed by being "perfectly joined together in the same mind" 1 Corinthians 1:10, and Christ himself can open their understanding to comprehend the scriptures Luke 24:45.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand on the concept of the intellect and its functions:

  • G1106 gnṓmē (judgment): This word for opinion or resolve is used alongside noûs to emphasize unity, calling believers to be joined in the same mind and the same judgment 1 Corinthians 1:10.
  • G3540 nóēma (mind, thought): Closely related, this term refers to the minds which are guarded by the peace of God Philippians 4:7 and can also signify a person's thoughts or purposes.
  • G4893 syneídēsis (conscience): This term is explicitly linked to the mind, as both can be defiled in those who are unbelieving Titus 1:15, highlighting the moral dimension of one's understanding.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3563 is significant, establishing the mind as a key element in a person's spiritual state.

  • The Unbelieving Mind: The natural mind is characterized by futility and corruption. Those who reject God are given over to a "reprobate mind" Romans 1:28, and Gentiles walk in the "vanity of their mind" Ephesians 4:17. A "fleshly mind" is associated with false humility and being "puffed up" Colossians 2:18.
  • The Renewed Mind: Transformation for a believer is impossible without a renewed mind. Scripture calls for believers to be renewed "in the spirit of your mind" Ephesians 4:23 and transformed by its renewing to discern God's will Romans 12:2.
  • The Mind of Christ: Believers are uniquely equipped with the "mind of Christ" 1 Corinthians 2:16, granting them a spiritual understanding that the natural person cannot possess. This is the foundation for comprehending spiritual truths and having the mind of the Lord.

Summary

In summary, G3563 noûs is more than just the faculty of reason. It is the center of perception, comprehension, and moral consciousness. Its condition—whether reprobate and defiled or renewed and possessing the mind of Christ—is a defining aspect of one's relationship to God. The state of the mind determines one's ability to understand spiritual truth, discern God's will, and live a life that is transformed rather than conformed to the world.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun across 24 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it. These are this word’s own inflections, not words built from it — for those, see Related Words.

  • νοῦν
  • νοῒ
  • νοὸς
  • νοῦς

Related Words

Related

Words formed from this one

2 entries in Strong’s name this word as their origin. These are its derivatives — a different relationship from the inflected forms above, which are this same word bent by grammar.

G3539 νοιέω to exercise the mind (observe), i.e. (figuratively) to comprehend, heed G3559 νουθεσία calling attention to, i.e. (by implication) mild rebuke or warning

Also mentioned in the study

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G1106 γνώμη cognition, i.e. (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.) G3540 νόημα a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself G4893 συνείδησις co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 22 verses across 11 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Romans (6 verses); never once in the other 16.

1
Luke
6
Romans
5
1 Corinthians
2
Ephesians
1
Philippians
1
Colossians
1
2 Thessalonians
1
1 Timothy
1
2 Timothy
1
Titus
2
Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.