Understanding διανόημα (dianoēma) Strong’s G1270: The Hidden Thoughts That Reveal Our Inner Character

Pronunciation Guide: dee-an-o’-ay-mah (with emphasis on the third syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1270: Διανόημα (dianoēma) refers to a thought, purpose, or intention that emerges from deep mental activity. It represents not merely passing thoughts but deliberate mental processes that reveal the true nature of one’s heart and character. This noun captures the innermost workings of the mind that ultimately direct a person’s actions and decisions.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
• Root Words: Derived from διανοέομαι (dianoeomai, “to think through, consider thoroughly”), which comes from διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + νοέω (noeō, “to perceive, understand, think”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and teaching sections; used to describe the cognitive processes that precede action

Διανόημα Morphology:

• διανόημα (nominative singular) – a thought, intention
• διανοήματος (genitive singular) – of a thought, intention
• διανοήματι (dative singular) – with/by a thought, intention
• διανοήματα (nominative/accusative plural) – thoughts, intentions
• διανοημάτων (genitive plural) – of thoughts, intentions
• διανοήμασι(ν) (dative plural) – with/by thoughts, intentions

Origin & History

The term διανόημα has its roots in classical Greek philosophy where it was used to describe deeper cognitive processes. In Plato’s works, particularly in “The Republic,” the concept relates to the discursive thinking that leads to understanding. Aristotle, in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” used related terms to distinguish between different types of intellectual activities that lead to virtuous action.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, διανόημα appears sparingly but significantly in wisdom literature. In Wisdom of Solomon 9:14, it describes the mortal thoughts that are uncertain and prone to error, contrasting with divine wisdom. The term highlights the limited scope of human understanding compared to divine knowledge, a theme that carries into New Testament usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A purposeful thought that reveals one’s character and inner disposition
• A deliberate cognitive process that leads to decisions and actions
• The underlying intention or motivation behind outward behavior
• A conceived plan or purpose that originates in the mind

Διανόημα Translation Options:

• Thought – Emphasizes the cognitive aspect but might miss the depth implied in the Greek
• Intention – Highlights the purposeful aspect of διανόημα that leads to action
• Purpose – Captures the goal-oriented nature of these thoughts
• Design – Reflects the deliberate, planned nature of διανόημα
• Reasoning – Emphasizes the logical process involved in forming these thoughts

Biblical Usage

Διανόημα appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 11:17, where Yeshua (Jesus) demonstrates His divine insight by knowing the thoughts of those questioning Him. The context involves accusations that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul. The text states, “But He knew their thoughts [διανοήματα],” revealing Messiah’s ability to perceive not just surface-level thoughts but the deeper intentions and reasoning processes of His accusers.

While διανόημα itself appears only once, its verbal root διανοέομαι and related cognates appear throughout the New Testament, particularly in contexts involving spiritual discernment and understanding divine mysteries. The conceptual significance extends beyond its singular appearance:

• “But He knew their thoughts [διανοήματα].” Luke 11:17

In the wider context of Scripture, the concept connects to Old Testament passages about יהוה (Yahweh) knowing the thoughts and intentions of the human heart, such as in 1 Chronicles 28:9 and Psalm 94:11.

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, thoughts were not considered abstract or disconnected from reality but were seen as having substance and power. The Hebrew concept of מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashavah, “thought”) that underlies the Greek διανόημα carries the sense of planning, designing, or weaving—suggesting that thoughts were understood as the blueprint for action and reality.

Jewish tradition placed great emphasis on the purity of thought. The Mishnah and later rabbinic teachings developed elaborate discussions about the relationship between thought (מַחֲשָׁבָה) and deed (מַעֲשֶׂה), often concluding that improper thoughts could be as spiritually damaging as improper actions. This understanding illuminates why Yeshua’s ability to perceive the διανοήματα of His accusers was so significant—He was demonstrating divine insight into the very fabric of their spiritual condition.

Theological Significance

The appearance of διανόημα in Luke 11:17 reveals a profound theological truth about the Messiah’s divine nature. By knowing the thoughts (διανοήματα) of His accusers, Yeshua demonstrates an attribute that Scripture consistently ascribes to יהוה (Yahweh) alone—perfect knowledge of human hearts. This divine insight underscores the truth of Yeshua’s identity as the incarnate Word of God, possessing the very nature and abilities of the Father.

Moreover, διανόημα points to the reality that God’s judgment extends beyond our external actions to the hidden intentions of our hearts. This reflects the comprehensive nature of divine righteousness and justice—God does not merely evaluate what we do but also why we do it. As the writer of Hebrews later articulates, “The word of God is living and active… judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). This understanding of divine omniscience should both humble us and comfort us, knowing that we are fully known yet still fully loved by our Creator.

Personal Application

Understanding the concept of διανόημα challenges us to examine not just our actions but the thought processes and intentions behind them. In a world that often focuses on external appearances and behavioral conformity, this Greek term reminds us that true transformation begins with renewed thinking (Romans 12:2). We are called to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Messiah (2 Corinthians 10:5), recognizing that our διανοήματα ultimately shape who we become.

When we struggle with negative thought patterns or hidden motivations, we can take comfort in knowing that the same Messiah who perceived the διανοήματα of His accusers sees our struggles and offers grace to transform our thinking. Through prayer, Scripture meditation, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience renewal at the deepest level of our cognitive and spiritual life.

Related Words

• νοῦς (nous) [noose] – mind, understanding, intellect; represents the faculty of thinking rather than the specific thoughts themselves. While διανόημα refers to particular thoughts or intentions, νοῦς represents the broader mental faculty from which these thoughts emerge. See G3563
• ἔννοια (ennoia) [en’-noy-ah] – thought, intent, concept; often refers to the content of thinking rather than the process. Διανόημα emphasizes the throughness and deliberation of thought, while ἔννοια emphasizes the presence of thought in the mind. See G1771
• λογισμός (logismos) [log-is-mos’] – reasoning, thought, calculation; often has connotations of rationalizing or calculating. Unlike διανόημα which can include intuitive or spontaneous thoughts, λογισμός typically involves more deliberate logical processes. See G3053
• διάνοια (dianoia) [dee-an’-oy-ah] – mind, understanding, intelligence; the faculty of thinking itself rather than individual thoughts. Διανόημα is the product of διάνοια, the individual thought that emerges from the thinking mind. See G1271
• ἐνθύμησις (enthymēsis) [en-thoo’-may-sis] – reflection, thought, especially with emotional content; often carries connotations of desire or passion-influenced thinking. While διανόημα is more neutral regarding emotional content, ἐνθύμησις often involves thoughts colored by emotion. See G1761

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek medical texts, particularly those attributed to Hippocrates and later Galen, διανόημα and related terms were used to describe the cognitive symptoms of various illnesses? They believed that certain diseases could affect not just the body but the quality and character of one’s thoughts. This medical understanding may inform Luke’s usage, as he was a physician himself and may have been particularly attentive to the connection between spiritual and cognitive health.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, derivatives of διανόημα survive in terms related to intellectual activity? The modern Greek verb “διανοούμαι” means “to contemplate” or “to have in mind,” and is used in academic and philosophical contexts. This linguistic continuity reflects the enduring significance of distinguishing between casual thoughts and deeper, more deliberate cognitive processes.
• Did you know that the concept behind διανόημα plays a crucial role in Jewish mystical traditions? In Kabbalah, the nature of thought (מַחֲשָׁבָה, machashavah) is considered one of the highest spiritual levels, believed to be the first manifestation of divine will. This perspective enriches our understanding of why Yeshua’s ability to perceive διανοήματα would have been recognized as a profound demonstration of divine authority within first-century Jewish contexts.

Remember This

Διανόημα reminds us that the Messiah sees not just our actions but our deepest thoughts and intentions—and loves us enough to transform us from the inside out, aligning our inner world with His perfect will.