θέλημα

will, wish, desire

Definition

The Greek word θέλημα refers to a will, wish, or desire, often indicating a deliberate and settled purpose. In the New Testament, it most significantly denotes the will of God, which is the ultimate standard for human conduct and salvation, as seen in the Lord's Prayer: 'Your will be done' (Matthew 6:10). It can also refer to the human will, such as a person's own desires or intentions, as in the parable where one son says he will not work but later does his father's will (Matthew 21:31). In some contexts, it simply indicates a wish or desire, such as Herod's birthday wish (Mark 6:22-25 in some manuscripts).

Biblical Usage

Θέλημα is used 59 times in the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the Gospels and the writings of John and Paul. Its primary usage is theological, referring to the will of God—His sovereign purpose and command (e.g., Matthew 7:21, John 7:17). It also describes human will or desire, often in contrast to God's will (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:37, Ephesians 2:3). In a few instances, it denotes a simple wish or request (e.g., Revelation 17:17). A clear pattern is its use in key phrases about doing or knowing God's will, central to Christian discipleship.

Etymology

Θέλημα is a noun derived from the verb θέλω (thelō, G2309), meaning 'to will, wish, or desire.' It is built on the root *thel-, indicating a forward motion or impulse of the will. Cognates include θέλω and the adjective ἑκών (hekōn, G1595), meaning 'willing.' The noun form θέλημα emphasizes the product or content of the act of willing—the specific thing willed or the will itself as a principle.

Semantic Range

Θέλημα is a theologically profound word central to understanding God's nature and human response. It is key to doctrines of God's sovereignty (Ephesians 1:11), salvation (John 1:13, James 1:18), and sanctification (Romans 12:2). The concept of doing God's will, as opposed to one's own, defines true discipleship (Matthew 7:21). Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by clarifying that God's will is not a hidden wish but His revealed, purposeful plan for creation and redemption, which believers are called to know and obey.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'will' (θέλημα) often carried a sense of deliberate, rational choice, distinct from mere whim or emotion. For Greeks, a strong will was a virtue. In the Jewish context, influenced by the Hebrew רצון (ratzon), God's will was understood as His good and sovereign purpose revealed in the Law. The New Testament usage synthesizes these, presenting God's θέλημα as both a sovereign decree and a moral command to be obeyed, contrasting with the human tendency toward self-will.

βουλή (boulē, G1012) — a counsel, plan, or purpose, often emphasizing God's deliberate decree. γνώμη (gnōmē, G1106) — an opinion, judgment, or purpose, sometimes used for a human resolve. εὐδοκία (eudokia, G2107) — good pleasure, delight, or satisfaction, focusing on the emotional aspect of willing.

Word Details

Scripture References