βούλομαι

I will, intend, desire

Definition

βούλομαι expresses a deliberate, settled will or intention, often with a sense of resolve or purpose. It can denote a strong desire or wish, as in the centurion's wish to release Jesus (John 18:39), but more frequently it indicates a firm decision, such as Joseph's resolution to divorce Mary quietly (Matthew 1:19). In some contexts, especially with divine subjects, it signifies the authoritative will of God, as seen in Jesus's statement that the Son reveals the Father to whomever the Father wills (Matthew 11:27, Luke 10:22). This distinguishes it from a mere whim, implying a considered choice.

Biblical Usage

βούλομαι appears 34 times in the New Testament, used by both human and divine subjects. It is common in narrative contexts describing human decisions, like Pilate's wish to satisfy the crowd (Mark 15:15) or the Jewish leaders' desire to stop the apostles (Acts 5:28). In theological contexts, it describes God's sovereign will in revelation and salvation (Matthew 11:27, Luke 22:42). The word is found across Gospels, Acts, and the epistles, with a pattern of signifying a purposeful, often authoritative, determination rather than a simple preference.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb βούλομαι, meaning 'to will' or 'to wish.' It is related to the noun βουλή (boulē, G1012), meaning 'counsel' or 'purpose,' indicating its connection to deliberate intention. The word carries a sense of volition based on consideration, distinct from more impulsive desires.

Semantic Range

βούλομαι is theologically significant as it often denotes the deliberate, purposeful will of God, especially in contexts of divine revelation and the Father's relationship with the Son (Matthew 11:27). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that God's will is not arbitrary but a resolved, intentional purpose. It also clarifies human will in key moments, like Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane ('yet not my will, but yours be done' in Luke 22:42), contrasting human desire with divine resolution.

In the Greco-Roman world, βούλομαι conveyed a sense of rational, deliberate choice, often associated with formal decisions or official decrees. This cultural nuance of settled resolve differs from a modern, casual understanding of 'wanting' something, emphasizing instead a will formed after consideration, which aligns with its use for both human authorities and divine purposes in the New Testament.

θέλω (thelō, G2309) — a more general term for 'wish' or 'desire,' often less deliberate than βούλομαι. ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō, G1937) — denotes a strong craving or lust, typically for something forbidden. προαιρέομαι (proaireomai, G4255) — to choose or purpose beforehand, emphasizing prior decision.

Word Details

Scripture References