G2309
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words such as θέλω (thelō) is essential in Biblical studies because it provides a more nuanced understanding of the text. θέλω is a verb that frequently appears in the New Testament, conveying the ideas of “willing,” “wishing,” or “desiring.” It holds significant relevance in both New Testament interpretation and the study of ancient Greek culture, where the concepts of will and intent were central to philosophical and theological discourse.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θέλω (thelō), [THEH-lo]
- Etymology: Derived from Proto-Indo-European roots related to desire or volition, possibly linked to the root wel- meaning “to wish” or “to will.”
- Part of Speech: Verb
- Applicable Grammatical Details: Present active indicative, primarily middle or passive in form with some active usages.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- To will
- To desire
- To intend
- To be resolved or determined
- To have a purpose or be inclined
Similar Words: βουλομαι (boulomai), [BOO-loh-my] – While βουλομαι conveys a more deliberate and considered decision or choice, θέλω often implies a more spontaneous or immediate desire or intention.
Further Insights: θέλω is a verb that can appear in various grammatical forms, primarily in the present tense, but it also appears in future and aorist tenses, as well as in imperative and subjunctive moods. The verb form changes to convey various nuances of desire, intention, and volition. A chart showing the full declension is below:
| Tense | Person/Number | Active Voice | Middle/Passive Voice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present Indicative | 1st Singular | θέλω | θέλομαι |
| Present Indicative | 2nd Singular | θέλεις | θέλῃ |
| Present Indicative | 3rd Singular | θέλει | θέλεται |
| Present Indicative | 1st Plural | θέλομεν | θελόμεθα |
| Present Indicative | 2nd Plural | θέλετε | θέλεσθε |
| Present Indicative | 3rd Plural | θέλουσι(ν) | θέλονται |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes θέλω as a verb that signifies “to will” or “to wish,” emphasizing its use to convey intention, desire, or determination in both divine and human contexts.
- Thayers: Defines θέλω as “to will, to wish, to desire,” focusing on the word’s application to both God’s will and human decision-making processes.
- Vines: Highlights that θέλω is used extensively in the New Testament, both in relation to God’s sovereign will and in the context of human desires and choices.
- LSJ: Discusses θέλω in classical Greek literature, noting its use in philosophical texts to convey volition and intention, often in contrast to simple desire or want.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Indicates that θέλω is employed to express deliberate or intentional action or decision, frequently appearing in key theological passages.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 8:3 – “Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing [θέλω]; be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”
- Mark 9:35 – “Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants [θέλει] to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.'”
- Romans 7:15 – “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like [θέλω] to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.”
- John 17:24 – “Father, I desire [θέλω] that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me.”
- Galatians 5:17 – “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please [θέλητε].”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “If one truly desires (θέλει) justice, one must live in accordance with virtue.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “A person must will (θέλει) what is good for its own sake, not just for the sake of pleasure.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The gods do not will (θέλουσι) the destruction of a people without reason.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 37:4 | “And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him (θέλοντες).” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 40:8 | “I delight (θέλω) to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 1:19 | “If you are willing (θέλητε) and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” |
Summary of θέλω (G2309)
In summary, θέλω (thelō) is a Greek verb that conveys the meanings of “to will,” “to desire,” “to intend,” and “to wish.” It is an essential word in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, capturing the nuances of both human and divine volition. It reflects not only a general desire or wish but often a specific, purposeful intention. Understanding θέλω is crucial for interpreting key theological concepts related to God’s will and human decision-making processes.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The Greek verb θέλω appears over 200 times in the New Testament, making it one of the most frequently used verbs to express both divine and human intentions, desires, and decisions. It serves as a foundational word for understanding passages that deal with God’s will, human free will, and the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human choice.