βουλεύω (bouleuō)
bouleuō
to plan
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb bouleuō describes the act of deliberating or taking counsel to reach a firm decision. It implies more than casual thought; it is a process of weighing options and resolving to act, often with significant consequences. In the New Testament, this word appears in five verses, frequently highlighting moments where characters must make critical choices.
Its usage ranges from personal consideration to formal resolution. For instance, Luke 14:31 uses it to describe a king considering whether he has enough troops to fight an enemy, illustrating careful strategic planning. In Acts 5:33 and John 11:53, the religious leaders deliberate with themselves, showing how internal counsel can lead to decisive, albeit hostile, action against Jesus.
The word connects closely to its noun form, boule, meaning "counsel" or "plan." This root emphasizes that the decision is not impulsive but results from serious reflection. Translators often render it as "decide," "resolve," or "take counsel," capturing the weight of a mind fully engaged in determining a course of action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life presents a crossroads, we often feel the pressure to decide quickly. The Greek word bouleuō reminds us that thoughtful deliberation is a valid and wise part of the Christian walk. It describes the process of sitting down, weighing options, and seeking clarity before acting. This is not hesitation born of fear, but a disciplined effort to understand the path ahead.
In Luke 14:31, Jesus uses this concept to illustrate the cost of discipleship. A king does not rush into battle without first counting the cost. Similarly, we are invited to bring our decisions before God with care and honesty. By pausing to consider our options, we acknowledge that our choices matter and that God’s guidance is worth seeking.
This practice of deliberate planning helps us avoid impulsive reactions and align our steps with wisdom. It invites us to trust that God is present in the quiet moments of consideration as much as in the final outcome. May you find peace in taking the time to seek His will with a calm and focused heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will take counsel1×
- they were determining1×
- they plotted1×
- do I purpose,1×
- Took counsel1×
- I purpose1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐβουλεύσαντο2×
- ἐβουλεύοντο,1×
- βουλεύσεται1×
- βουλεύομαι,1×
- βουλεύομαι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 14:31
Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
Jesus uses this term to illustrate the necessity of counting the cost before committing to discipleship, emphasizing strategic foresight over impulsive action.
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John 11:53
So from that day forward they took counsel that they might put him to death.
The religious leaders use this word to describe their formal deliberation, showing how counsel can lead to decisive but hostile actions against Jesus.
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Acts 27:39
When it was day, they didn’t recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.
Paul and the prisoners decide to run the ship aground after assessing the bay, demonstrating practical decision-making in a crisis situation.