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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as they provide deeper insight into the cultural, philosophical, and theological contexts of the New Testament. The Greek word ἐπίνοια (epínoia) is particularly significant because it relates to the concept of thought, intention, or purpose. This word sheds light on how ancient Greeks understood the processes of the mind and deliberation, which in turn influences how we interpret passages where this term appears in ancient texts and the Bible.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπίνοια (epínoia) [eh-PEE-noh-yah]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “over”) and νοῦς (nous, “mind” or “understanding”), ἐπίνοια denotes a directed or intentional thought process, or a deliberate intention.
- Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); first declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Thought
- Intention
- Purpose
- Device or plan
Similar Words: The word νόημα (nóēma) [NO-ay-mah] also relates to thought but specifically refers to the result of thinking or a concept. On the other hand, διανοία (dianoia) [dee-ah-NOY-ah] focuses on the faculty of thought, especially deep thought or reasoning. While ἐπίνοια emphasizes intention or a specific purpose of the mind, διανοία is broader, encompassing reasoning and understanding.
Further Insights: ἐπίνοια follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns in Greek. It consists of the prefix ἐπί (epi), which implies a direction or a focus, and the root νοῦς (nous), which means “mind” or “intellect.” This word’s construction highlights a more targeted thought or a strategic intent. Below is the full declension of ἐπίνοια:
| Case / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἐπίνοια | ἐπίνοιαι |
| Genitive | ἐπινοίας | ἐπινόιων |
| Dative | ἐπινοίᾳ | ἐπινόιαις |
| Accusative | ἐπίνοιαν | ἐπίνοιας |
| Vocative | ἐπίνοια | ἐπίνοιαι |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐπίνοια as “intention” or “thought,” often used in contexts where someone devises a plan or strategy, suggesting a deliberate mental action.
- Thayers: Defines ἐπίνοια as “purpose” or “a thinking over,” indicating an intention that arises from thoughtful consideration.
- Vines: Notes that ἐπίνοια is a term used to signify thoughtful intent, implying that it often involves deliberate planning or contrivance.
- LSJ: Lists ἐπίνοια as “thought, intention, or device,” primarily in philosophical and rhetorical contexts, where it refers to calculated thought or intellectual intent.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Indicates ἐπίνοια as “thought, intention, or device,” highlighting its usage in passages that discuss human intent and planning.
Related Scripture References
- 1 Peter 4:3: “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” The word “intentions” in this passage aligns with ἐπίνοια.
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “The guardian must have a good intent (ἐπίνοια) towards the state.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “Virtue is not only in the act but in the intention (ἐπίνοια) behind the act.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The king’s clever intent (ἐπίνοια) outwitted his enemies.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 36:4 | “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires (ἐπίνοια) of thine heart.” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs 12:5 | “The thoughts (ἐπίνοια) of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.” |
| Septuagint | Wisdom of Solomon 1:3 | “For the perverse thoughts (ἐπίνοια) separate from God: and his power, when it is tried, reproveth the unwise.” |
Summary of ἐπίνοια (G1963)
The Greek word ἐπίνοια (epínoia) is a term that embodies the concept of intention, thought, or purpose. With roots meaning “upon” and “mind,” it implies a directed thought process, a deliberate intention, or a purposeful device. In Biblical and classical texts, ἐπίνοια is used to convey deeper meanings related to mental strategies, plans, or purposes. Its usage in the New Testament and classical literature reveals the importance of intention behind actions, whether they be moral, ethical, or practical.
Did You Know?
The concept of ἐπίνοια was so central to Greek philosophical thought that it often played a role in debates about ethics and virtue. For philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, the idea of intention was not just about what people did but why they did it—what was the thought or plan behind their actions? This word illustrates how ancient Greeks placed a significant emphasis on the motivation and reasoning behind actions, a notion that continues to influence modern ethical discussions today.
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