Brief Overview of Βούλημα (G1013: Boulēma)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek noun βούλημα (transliterated as Boulēma) is closely related to the verb βούλομαι (Boulomai), meaning “to will” or “to wish.” The term boulēma primarily denotes “a will,” “purpose,” or “intention.” It conveys the idea of a deliberate plan or a resolved intention, often emphasizing the strong and determined nature of the will behind an action. It is a term that highlights the fixed and resolute aspect of one’s will or desire, whether in a human or divine context.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to key lexical sources like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s exhaustive concordance, βούλημα signifies a more determined or resolved form of will compared to other related Greek words. BDAG notes that boulēma often refers to a plan or purpose that has been firmly decided upon, indicating a stronger intention than the more general term thelēma (will or desire). This makes boulēma particularly significant when discussing the deliberate intentions of God or individuals in the New Testament.

In the New Testament, boulēma is used in passages that underline the resolute nature of God’s will or purpose. For example, in Romans 9:19, Paul rhetorically asks, “For who can resist His will?” (τῷ βουλήματι αὐτοῦ), referring to God’s unchangeable purpose and intention in dealing with humanity. This usage of boulēma emphasizes the idea that God’s purposes are firm and cannot be thwarted. Another instance is found in Acts 27:43, where the term is used to describe the centurion’s intention to save Paul during the shipwreck, showing how boulēma can also refer to human decisions that are resolute and determined.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, βούλημα is often used to describe the fixed will or purpose of individuals, especially in political or military contexts. The term appears in the works of historians like Herodotus and Thucydides, where it is used to convey the idea of a deliberate and well-considered plan or strategy.

For instance, in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, boulēma is used to describe the strategic decisions made by military leaders, emphasizing the careful deliberation and fixed intention behind their actions. Similarly, in the writings of Xenophon, boulēma is used in the context of leadership and governance, highlighting the resolute nature of decisions made by those in power.

Another example can be found in Aristotle’s ethical works, where boulēma is discussed in relation to human desire and rational decision-making. Aristotle distinguishes boulēma as a form of desire that is rooted in rational deliberation, indicating a more thoughtful and intentional aspect of human will.

Summary:
The Greek noun βούλημα (Boulēma) encapsulates the concept of a deliberate and resolved will or purpose. It is a term that conveys the idea of a fixed intention, whether in the context of human decisions or divine purposes. Lexical sources like BDAG and Thayer’s highlight the term’s significance in describing a stronger and more determined form of will, often associated with God’s sovereign purposes, as seen in passages like Romans 9:19 and Acts 27:43. In classical Greek literature, boulēma is used to describe the strategic and deliberate decisions made by leaders and philosophers, underscoring its importance in discussions of rational decision-making and purposeful action. Overall, boulēma is a term that reflects the thoughtful and resolute nature of intentions and plans, making it a significant concept in both biblical and classical Greek contexts.