### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀναλογίζομαι (analogízomai, `{{G357}}`) is a compound word derived from the prefix ἀνα- (ana-), often denoting "upward," "again," or "back," and the verb λογίζομαι (logízomai, `{{G3049}}`), meaning "to reckon, count, compute, consider, reason." The base definition provided, "to estimate, i.e. (figuratively) contemplate," accurately captures its essence. The underlying noun ἀναλογία (analógia, `{{G356}}`) signifies "analogy, proportion, correspondence." Therefore, analogízomai implies a careful, considered reckoning, a thorough estimation, or a deep contemplation that often involves comparison or the establishment of a proportion. It suggests a process of weighing facts, drawing conclusions based on a careful assessment, and reflecting deeply, often in light of a standard or example. The use of the middle voice indicates that the action is performed by the subject for their own benefit or on themselves, reinforcing the idea of an internal, personal, and reflective process. The English translation "consider" effectively conveys this deliberate and thoughtful engagement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀναλογίζομαι (analogízomai, `{{G357}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* [[Hebrews 12:3]]: "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
In this singular occurrence, the author of Hebrews exhorts believers, who are undergoing their own trials and persecutions, to "consider" Jesus. This is not a casual or fleeting thought but a profound, reflective, and comparative contemplation. The command to analogízomai Jesus entails a deep engagement with His suffering, His steadfastness, and the proportion of His endurance in the face of immense hostility. The context is one of perseverance in faith, specifically in the face of suffering and opposition. By carefully weighing and comparing their own struggles with Christ's ultimate sacrifice and victory, believers are meant to gain perspective, renewed strength, and steadfastness. The explicit purpose of this contemplation is practical: "so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." It is a spiritual discipline designed to fortify faith, prevent spiritual exhaustion, and encourage continued endurance in the Christian race.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **λογίζομαι (logízomai, `{{G3049}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to reckon, count, compute, consider, reason." analogízomai builds upon this, adding the nuance of comparison, proportion, or a more thorough, often upward or backward, estimation.
* **ἀναλογία (analógia, `{{G356}}`):** The noun from which analogízomai is derived, meaning "analogy, proportion, correspondence." This highlights the inherent comparative or proportional aspect embedded in the verb.
* **κατανοέω (katanoéō, `{{G2657}}`):** "To observe fully, to perceive, to understand." While similar in involving mental engagement, katanoéō often emphasizes a keen observation leading to understanding, whereas analogízomai focuses more on the internal process of weighing, comparing, and drawing conclusions.
* **συνίημι (syniēmi, `{{G4920}}`):** "To understand, to comprehend." This is a broader term for general understanding, whereas analogízomai specifies a particular type of deep, comparative consideration.
* **φρονέω (phronéō, `{{G5426}}`):** "To think, to have a mindset, to be minded." This relates to the overall disposition of the mind, while analogízomai is a specific act of deep, reflective consideration.
The concept of "meditation" found in the Old Testament (e.g., הָגָה hāgâ, `{{H1897}}` in [[Psalm 1:2]]) shares a similar depth of engagement with truth, but analogízomai specifically points to a comparative or proportional assessment, often with a view to drawing strength or guidance.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of ἀναλογίζομαι (analogízomai, `{{G357}}`) in [[Hebrews 12:3]] carries profound theological significance. It underscores the absolute centrality of Christ's example in the life of the believer. Our ability to persevere in faith is not solely a matter of individual willpower or self-effort but is deeply rooted in a conscious, deliberate, and ongoing contemplation of Jesus' endurance. The command to "consider Him" implies that knowing Christ's suffering, faithfulness, and ultimate victory is not merely intellectual assent but an active, internal process of internalizing His experience as a model and an inexhaustible source of spiritual strength. This contemplation serves as a powerful antidote to spiritual weariness, discouragement, and the temptation to give up. It suggests that a proper perspective on Christ's sacrifice and journey transforms our ability to face our own trials. Furthermore, it highlights the practical application of Christology: understanding who Jesus is and what He accomplished has direct, transformative implications for how believers live, endure suffering, and run the race of faith. The middle voice emphasizes the personal benefit and the transformative effect of this spiritual exercise on the one who engages in such deep consideration.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀναλογίζομαι (analogízomai, `{{G357}}`), derived from ἀναλογία and λογίζομαι, denotes a deep, careful, and often comparative contemplation or estimation. It signifies a process of weighing facts, drawing conclusions based on a thorough assessment, and reflecting on something in its proper proportion. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 12:3]] powerfully exhorts believers to "consider" Christ's endurance in the face of hostility. This is not a superficial glance but a profound, internal reckoning with His suffering and faithfulness, designed to prevent spiritual weariness and discouragement. The word emphasizes the vital role of Christ's example as a source of strength and perseverance for believers, urging a deliberate and personal engagement with His story to fortify one's own faith journey.
TRV