Understanding γνώμη (gnōmē) Strong’s G1106: Divine Wisdom that Shapes Judgments and Guides Purpose-Filled Decisions

Pronunciation Guide: gnō-mā (with long ō as in “know” and long ā as in “may”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1106: Γνώμη (gnōmē) refers to the faculty of knowing, intelligence, or discernment that produces a judgment, opinion, or purpose. It represents an exercise of the mind that results in a settled resolution, decision, or decree. More than mere intellectual knowledge, gnōmē embodies judgment informed by character and values, often indicating a settled purpose or directive that guides action.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Feminine noun
• Root word: γινώσκω (ginōskō, G1097) – to know, recognize, understand
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Epistles (particularly Pauline letters), narrative sections (Acts)
• Related to: γνῶσις (gnōsis, knowledge), γνωρίζω (gnōrizō, to make known)
• Semantic domain: Intellectual processes involving judgment and decision-making

Γνώμη Morphology:

• γνώμη (nominative singular) – judgment, opinion, purpose
• γνώμης (genitive singular) – of judgment, opinion, purpose
• γνώμῃ (dative singular) – in/with/by judgment, opinion, purpose
• γνώμην (accusative singular) – judgment, opinion, purpose (as direct object)
• γνῶμαι (nominative plural) – judgments, opinions, purposes
• γνωμῶν (genitive plural) – of judgments, opinions, purposes

Origin & History

The term γνώμη has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it originally referred to a faculty of knowing or discerning. In works by Herodotus and Thucydides, γνώμη often indicated a “judgment” or “opinion” expressed by an authoritative figure. Aristotle used the term in his “Rhetoric” to describe maxims or general statements that expressed moral wisdom. These were concise sayings that served as guides for ethical behavior and proper judgment.

In the Septuagint (LXX), γνώμη appears sparingly but significantly. In Daniel 2:15, it translates the Aramaic term עֵטָא (eta) referring to the king’s decree or decision. This usage shifts the emphasis from merely an opinion to an authoritative pronouncement that determines action. By the Hellenistic period, the term had expanded in scope to include not only the judgment itself but also the purpose or intent behind the judgment. Early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” used γνώμη to describe the settled disposition of the soul that seeks wisdom and aligns with divine truth.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A judgment or decision reached after consideration
• An authoritative opinion or directive that guides others
• A purpose or intention that shapes action
• A settled resolution or decree
• A pronouncement that establishes precedent or guidance

Γνώμη Translation Options:

• Judgment – Best captures the evaluative aspect of γνώμη when discernment leads to conclusion
• Purpose – Appropriate when the focus is on intention or aim that guides future action
• Opinion – Useful when γνώμη functions as a viewpoint held with conviction
• Advice – Fitting when γνώμη is offered as guidance to others
• Decision – Emphasizes the conclusive nature of γνώμη when it results in a settled course of action

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γνώμη appears 9 times, predominantly in Paul’s epistles. Its first appearance in Acts 20:3 relates to Paul’s purpose to return through Macedonia. This usage reveals how γνώμη represents not just an intellectual conclusion but a decisive resolution that guides action. In 1 Corinthians, Paul uses the term to distinguish between divine commandment and his own considered judgment or advice, showing how the term can indicate authoritative opinion that carries weight even when not presented as divine mandate.

The usage in Revelation 17:13,17 is particularly noteworthy, where the kings “give their power and authority” to the beast with “one mind” (μίαν γνώμην). Here, γνώμη represents unified purpose and shared intention rather than merely shared opinion, demonstrating the term’s range of meaning from intellectual judgment to purposeful intent.

• “And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided [γνώμη] to return through Macedonia.” Acts 20:3
• “But this I say by way of concession, not of command [γνώμη].” 1 Corinthians 7:6
• “But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment [γνώμη]; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 7:40
• “These have one purpose [γνώμη], and they give their power and authority to the beast.” Revelation 17:13
• “For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose [γνώμη] by having a common purpose [γνώμην], and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled.” Revelation 17:17
• “I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind [νοΐ] and in the same judgment [γνώμῃ].” 1 Corinthians 1:10
• “Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion [γνώμην] as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 7:25

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, γνώμη had significant judicial and political dimensions that illuminate its biblical usage. In Athenian democracy, the βουλή (council) would issue preliminary decrees called προβουλεύματα that contained their γνώμη (judgment or recommendation) on matters of state before these were voted on by the full assembly. This political background helps explain why Paul uses γνώμη rather than ἐντολή (commandment) in passages like 1 Corinthians 7:25—he is rendering a considered judgment as one with authority, yet distinguishing it from divine mandate.

The Jewish Sanhedrin operated with a similar concept of authoritative judgment or opinion. When members of the Sanhedrin gave their γνώμη on a matter, it carried significant weight even if not binding as Torah law. This cultural backdrop illuminates Paul’s confidence in giving his γνώμη in 1 Corinthians 7:40 with the assertion that he believes he “also has the Spirit of God.” He positions his judgment not merely as personal opinion but as spiritually informed wisdom that should be respected by the community of believers, even while acknowledging it doesn’t have the same authority as the Lord’s direct commandment.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of γνώμη lies in its representation of the interplay between divine and human judgment. In Paul’s usage, we see a careful distinction between the Lord’s commandments and his own considered judgment, yet he claims spiritual authority for his γνώμη. This reveals a nuanced understanding of inspired guidance that doesn’t always take the form of direct divine decree but can also manifest as spiritually formed judgment through those who walk closely with God.

This concept provides important insight into how God often works through human agency and wisdom. Unlike prophetic utterances prefaced with “Thus says יהוה (Yahweh),” γνώμη represents divine guidance mediated through human judgment that has been formed by relationship with the Holy Spirit. It suggests that God honors human partnership in decision-making, providing wisdom that shapes our judgments without necessarily overriding our cognitive processes. This reflects the dignity God bestows on humanity—creating us not merely as passive recipients of divine instruction but as active participants in discerning and implementing His will through Spirit-formed judgment.

The usage in Revelation 17:17 is particularly profound, showing the sovereignty of God working even through the γνώμη (purpose) of those opposed to Him. It reveals that while human judgments and purposes may seem autonomous, they ultimately serve God’s overarching plan—demonstrating His perfect wisdom in orchestrating human history through, and sometimes despite, human decisions.

Personal Application

Understanding γνώμη challenges us to develop spiritually informed judgment rather than merely seeking explicit divine commands for every decision. Just as Paul offered his γνώμη with confidence while acknowledging its distinction from direct commandment, we too can grow in our capacity to form judgments and purposes that align with God’s heart through intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

This process involves cultivating both spiritual sensitivity and mature discernment. Rather than relying solely on explicit biblical directives or dramatic prophetic guidance, we can develop a “mind of the Messiah” (1 Corinthians 2:16) that naturally forms γνώμη aligned with God’s character and purposes. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, practice prayer as relationship rather than merely petition, and live in authentic community with other believers, our judgments become increasingly shaped by divine wisdom—even when we cannot point to a specific command for every situation we face.

Related Words

• νοῦς (nous, pronounced “noose”) – mind, understanding, reason; whereas γνώμη represents the judgment or purpose resulting from mental activity, νοῦς refers to the faculty of thinking itself. See G3563
• φρόνημα (phronēma, pronounced “fro-nay-mah”) – mindset, way of thinking; this term emphasizes the orientation or disposition of thought rather than the specific judgment rendered. See G5427
• βουλή (boulē, pronounced “boo-lay”) – counsel, purpose, will; similar to γνώμη but often carries connotations of deliberation and planning, especially regarding divine purpose. See G1012
• κρίσις (krisis, pronounced “kree-sis”) – judgment, decision; focuses more on the judicial aspect of judgment, particularly distinguishing or separating, whereas γνώμη emphasizes the formulated opinion or purpose. See G2920
• σύνεσις (synesis, pronounced “soon-es-is”) – understanding, insight; refers to the mental comprehension that may lead to γνώμη but focuses on the perceptive aspect rather than the resulting judgment or purpose. See G4907

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek maxim collections, a γνώμη was a pithy saying that expressed practical wisdom. These collections, called γνωμολόγια (gnomologia), were widely used in education to instill values and teach rhetoric. This connection highlights how γνώμη was understood not merely as personal opinion but as refined wisdom worthy of being preserved and taught to future generations.
• The English word “gnome” (a concise, pithy statement of wisdom) derives from γνώμη, preserving the connection to wisdom and judgment. In medieval literature, particularly in the works of Erasmus, gnomes were collected and studied as expressions of timeless wisdom that could guide moral decision-making—similar to how Paul offers his γνώμη to guide the Corinthian church.
• In Byzantine imperial documents, the phrase “κατὰ τὴν βασιλικὴν γνώμην” (“according to the imperial γνώμη”) was a formal way of indicating that a decision had been approved by the emperor. This usage parallels the authority Paul claims for his γνώμη in 1 Corinthians 7:40 when he states that he believes he has “the Spirit of God,” suggesting divine approval for his judgment.

Remember This

Γνώμη challenges us to move beyond merely seeking commands to follow, inviting us instead to develop Spirit-formed judgment that naturally aligns with God’s heart—transforming us from servants who need explicit instructions into friends who understand and share the Master’s purposes.