Brief Overview of λογίζομαι (Strong’s G3049: logizomai)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it deepens our grasp of the original context and nuances of scripture. The Greek word λογίζομαι (logizomai) is particularly significant due to its frequent use in the New Testament to express concepts of thinking, reasoning, and accounting. This verb sheds light on how the early Christians understood processes of thought, judgment, and reckoning, bridging cultural contexts from ancient Greek philosophy to theological reflections in scripture. The term is relevant for interpreting passages about belief, righteousness, and spiritual reasoning, making it a key word for both biblical interpretation and understanding the broader ancient Greek worldview.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λογίζομαι (logizomai) [pronunciation: lo-GEE-zo-my].

Etymology: The word λογίζομαι comes from the root λόγος (logos), which broadly means “word,” “reason,” or “account.” The verb form implies the action of considering, reckoning, or calculating. It carries the sense of logical reasoning and making deliberate decisions.

Part of Speech: Verb. λογίζομαι is a deponent verb in Greek, which means it is middle in form but active in meaning. It is often used in various moods and tenses to indicate mental processes, logical conclusions, or spiritual reckonings.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Reckon or Count: The primary meaning of λογίζομαι is to “reckon” or “count,” often in a financial or accounting sense. This meaning is crucial for understanding passages about spiritual accounts or debts in the New Testament.
2. To Consider or Ponder: The term is also used to mean “to consider” or “to think over,” often involving a deep mental or reflective process. This is seen in contexts where the term is applied to reasoning about faith, sin, or spiritual matters.
3. To Judge or Evaluate: Another meaning of λογίζομαι is “to judge” or “to evaluate,” particularly in contexts of spiritual discernment or making judgments about one’s actions or beliefs.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Νομίζω (nomizo) [pronunciation: no-MEE-zo]: This word means “to suppose” or “to think,” but it often implies assumption rather than logical reasoning. Unlike λογίζομαι, which implies careful thought, νομίζω can suggest an opinion formed without deep reflection.
2. Δοκέω (dokeo) [pronunciation: doh-KEH-oh]: It translates to “to seem” or “to think,” often suggesting a subjective or perceived opinion. Δοκέω is more about appearances or impressions than the calculated thought implied by λογίζομαι.
3. Φρονέω (phroneo) [pronunciation: fro-NEH-oh]: This verb means “to think” or “to have a mindset.” It is more concerned with attitudes or inclinations rather than specific logical processes, differing from the precise connotations of λογίζομαι.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:
λογίζομαι is a middle deponent verb and can appear in various tenses such as Present, Aorist, and Perfect. Its voice is middle/passive in form but active in meaning, and it is used in the indicative, imperative, and subjunctive moods.

Aspect:
The verb λογίζομαι has both imperfective (present, imperfect) and perfective (aorist) aspects. The imperfective aspect shows ongoing or repeated action (e.g., considering, reckoning), while the perfective aspect indicates a completed action (e.g., having reckoned or considered).

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word λογίζομαι is pivotal in theological discussions, particularly in Pauline theology, where it relates to righteousness being “reckoned” or “counted” to believers (e.g., Romans 4:3). The term involves a judicial or evaluative sense, often reflecting the divine act of accounting or imputing righteousness by faith. In classical Greek, λογίζομαι was used broadly in contexts involving calculations, reasoning, and logical conclusions, from philosophical discussions to everyday financial transactions. Theological implications revolve around the idea of divine judgment and grace, as the term’s semantic range spans both secular and sacred arenas in ancient thought.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Romans 4:3 – “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited [λογίζομαι] to him as righteousness.'”
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ, reckoning [λογίζομαι] these things in our minds.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

λογίζομαι (logizomai) is a dynamic Greek verb used extensively in the New Testament and classical Greek literature to signify thinking, reasoning, and reckoning. Its theological implications in Christian doctrine revolve around how righteousness is accounted for or reckoned to believers. This word illustrates the depth and precision of thought processes in both human and divine contexts, bridging ancient philosophical inquiry with biblical revelation.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: λογίζομαι is a central term in accounting, both in ancient Greek secular contexts and in the theological discourse of the New Testament.
• Fact 2: The Apostle Paul frequently uses λογίζομαι in his epistles to convey the concept of righteousness being “imputed” to believers, a foundational idea in Christian soteriology.
• Fact 3: The Greek concept of λογίζομαι carries the idea of rational deliberation, which was highly valued in Greek philosophy and is evident in both ethical and logical discussions.