Brief Overview of διανόημα (G1270: dianóēma)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διανόημα (dianóēma) [dee-ah-NOH-ay-mah]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and νοέω (G3539: noéō) meaning to perceive, to understand, to think.
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Jean Paul’s Commentary & Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• Thought or Intention: The internal process of thinking, planning, or forming intentions.
• Purpose or Design: An intentional or devised plan or scheme, often with a focus on mental conception.
• Mind or Understanding: The faculty of thought or reason, referring to the mental activity that results in ideas or concepts.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διανόημα refers to the process of thinking or reasoning, particularly the formation of thoughts, intentions, or designs in the mind. The term can also refer to the content of what is thought or intended, such as a specific idea or purpose.
• Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διανόημα as a thought, purpose, or device, especially one that is conceived in the mind. It can denote both the act of thinking and the resulting thought or intention, emphasizing the intellectual activity behind actions or decisions.
• Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains διανόημα as a thought or purpose, with an emphasis on mental conception or design. The term is often used to describe the intellectual process that leads to a specific intention or plan.
• Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διανόημα as a thought, intention, or plan. It can refer to the mental process of forming ideas or the specific thoughts and intentions that arise from this process. The term is frequently used in both philosophical and everyday contexts to describe mental activity.
• Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διανόημα as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and νοέω (G3539: noéō), meaning a thought, purpose, or device. It is often used to describe the mental processes involved in forming intentions or plans.
• Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Phaedo: Plato uses διανόημα to describe the process of forming thoughts and ideas, particularly in philosophical discussions about the nature of the mind and its ability to perceive and understand abstract concepts.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle employs διανόημα in the context of ethical reasoning, where it refers to the internal deliberation and intention behind moral actions, emphasizing the role of thought in determining virtuous behavior.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διανόημα to describe the strategic plans and intentions of leaders and generals, highlighting the importance of thought and planning in achieving military success.

Summary

διανόημα (G1270: dianóēma) is a Greek noun that primarily refers to thought, intention, or purpose, emphasizing the intellectual process of forming ideas and plans. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and νοέω (to perceive, to understand, to think), the term captures the essence of mental activity, whether it involves simple thoughts, complex intentions, or strategic designs. In the New Testament, διανόημα is used in 2 Corinthians 10:5, where it describes the thoughts and intentions that believers are to bring into alignment with Christ. Its usage in classical Greek literature further underscores its significance in both philosophical and practical contexts, where the mind’s activity is central to understanding, decision-making, and ethical behavior. Overall, διανόημα is a term that highlights the importance of thought and intention in shaping actions and outcomes, making it a key concept in understanding both ancient and modern perspectives on the power of the mind.