Think
The Nature of Biblical Thinking
Biblical thinking is not merely intellectual activity but involves the whole person—heart, mind, and will. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word chashab often refers to calculated, deliberate thinking that leads to planning or intention, as when Joseph's brothers "plotted" against him (Genesis 50:20). Another term, damah, suggests comparative thinking or likening one thing to another, while zamam implies devising or scheming, often with negative moral connotations (Psalm 37:12). Significantly, the common Hebrew verb 'amar ("to say") frequently appears in contexts of internal dialogue, as when Esther's enemy Haman "said in his heart" about his plans (Esther 6:6). This reflects the biblical understanding that thinking is often an internal conversation with oneself.
Thinking in the Old Testament Narrative
Throughout Israel's story, thinking reveals character and drives action. Abraham thought about God's promise when he considered that his body was "as good as dead" yet believed (Romans 4:19). The book of Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the importance of right thinking, contrasting the wisdom of the righteous with the "futile thoughts" of the wicked (Proverbs 15:26). The prophets confronted Israel's misguided thinking, as when God declares through Isaiah, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Isaiah 55:8), highlighting the vast difference between divine and human cognition. The Psalms frequently model godly thinking through meditative reflection on God's law and works (Psalm 1:2; 77:12).
New Testament Perspectives on Thinking
The New Testament employs several Greek terms that deepen our understanding of Christian thinking. Dokeō refers to opinion or supposition—what seems true to someone (Luke 10:36). Logizomai, used extensively by Paul, means to reckon, calculate, or consider carefully, as in counting oneself dead to sin but alive to God (Romans 6:11). Phroneō denotes a settled mindset or disposition, not just a passing thought, as in Paul's exhortation to "think with sober judgment" (Romans 12:3). Noeō and enthumeomai refer to the process of understanding and pondering (Matthew 1:20; 9:4). Jesus consistently challenged faulty thinking patterns, correcting his disciples' misunderstandings about greatness, prayer, and God's kingdom (Matthew 6:7; 18:1-4).
The Transformation of Thinking
A central theme in the New Testament is the renewal of the mind. Paul urges believers not to be conformed to this world but "transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This transformation involves taking "every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). The Philippians are instructed to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8). This renewed thinking isn't merely positive thinking but a complete reorientation toward God's perspective, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides believers into truth (John 16:13).
Thinking and Christian Community
Biblical thinking has corporate dimensions. Paul addresses thinking within the church, urging unity of mind (Romans 15:5; Philippians 2:2) while recognizing diversity of gifts (Romans 12:3-8). He challenges the Corinthians' immature thinking, urging them to move beyond childish thoughts as they mature in Christ (1 Corinthians 13:11; 14:20). The early church's communal life involved shared thinking about doctrine, ethics, and mission, as seen in the Jerusalem council's deliberation (Acts 15:6-29). Right thinking preserves unity and fosters Christlike relationships within the body of believers.
Biblical Context
The concept of thinking appears throughout Scripture, beginning with God's own thoughts in creation (Psalm 33:11) and continuing through human deliberation in historical narratives (Genesis 20:11; Ruth 4:4). Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) extensively addresses patterns of thought, while prophets critique Israel's misguided thinking (Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11). In the New Testament, Jesus frequently corrects his disciples' thinking (Matthew 16:23; Luke 24:38), and Paul's epistles develop a theology of renewed thinking central to Christian transformation (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8). Thinking plays a crucial role in faith development, ethical decision-making, and understanding God's revelation.
Theological Significance
Biblical thinking matters theologically because it addresses how humans, created in God's image, engage in cognitive activity that reflects either alignment with or rebellion against their Creator. God's thoughts infinitely surpass human thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9), yet through revelation, God makes His thoughts known. The fall corrupted human thinking (Genesis 6:5; Romans 1:21), requiring redemption that includes mind renewal (Romans 12:2). Thinking is intimately connected to faith—Abraham's belief involved thinking about God's promise in light of his circumstances (Romans 4:19-21). The Holy Spirit transforms believers' thinking (1 Corinthians 2:16), enabling them to discern spiritual truths. Ultimately, godly thinking leads to worship, obedience, and Christlike character formation.
Historical Background
Ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, did not separate cognitive, emotional, and volitional faculties as modern Western thought often does. The Hebrew concept of "heart" (lev) encompassed thinking, feeling, and deciding. Greek philosophical traditions, which influenced New Testament language, distinguished more carefully between types of mental activity—hence the multiple Greek terms for thinking. Archaeological evidence from wisdom literature across the ancient Near East shows that reflection on proper thinking was common in educational contexts. Jewish interpretive traditions between the Testaments, reflected in works like Sirach, continued to develop ideas about godly thinking. Understanding these contexts helps explain why biblical authors used specific terms for different kinds of mental activity and why thinking was considered integral to moral and spiritual life.