βούλομαι (boulomai)
boulomai
to plan
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb boulomai signifies a deliberate, considered will rather than a fleeting desire. It implies that the mind has weighed options and settled on a specific purpose. This distinguishes it from the more common thelō, which can describe simple wishes or preferences without the same depth of intent. When someone boulomai, they are making a conscious choice among alternatives, as seen when Pilate decides to release Barabbas in Mark 15:15.
Its usage often carries weighty theological significance regarding divine intention. In James 1:18, the text describes God’s will as being of set purpose, highlighting that His actions stem from a firm, premeditated plan rather than impulse. The word appears frequently in Acts to describe human decisions made with full awareness of their consequences, such as Paul’s intent to visit Rome in Romans 15:23 (referenced via Acts contexts) or the deliberate choices of early church leaders.
Translators typically render boulomai as "will" or "intend," capturing its sense of resolved volition. It appears in polite requests like Luke 22:42, where Jesus asks if it is God’s will, using a form that suggests a courteous but serious inquiry into divine purpose. The term underscores the biblical theme that true will involves both thought and decisive action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word boulomai describes a will that is deliberate, considered, and settled. It is not a fleeting wish or a casual preference, but a conscious choice made after weighing options. This distinction helps us understand the depth of intention behind many biblical actions, from human decisions to divine plans.
In our own lives, this concept invites us to examine the seriousness of our choices. When we intend to act, do we act with the same resolve? The text reminds us that true will involves both thought and decisive action. It encourages a faith that is thoughtful and purposeful, rather than impulsive or shallow.
Consider the moment in Luke 22:42, where Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing..." Here, boulomai reflects a deep inquiry into divine purpose. It shows that even in moments of great tension, there is room for serious, respectful dialogue with God. This word calls us to align our deliberate plans with His settled will, finding peace in that alignment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- desiring5×
- shall choose2×
- intending2×
- I want,2×
- I want2×
- you intend1×
- wish you1×
- willing1×
- was wishing1×
- was planning1×
- they were wanting1×
- they were desiring1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βουλόμενος6×
- ἐβουλόμην3×
- ἐβούλοντο2×
- βούλομαι,2×
- βούληται2×
- βούλεται.¶2×
- βούλεσθε2×
- βουλόμενός2×
- βουλομένου2×
- Βούλομαι2×
- ἐβούλετο1×
- ἐβουλήθην1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:42
saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
This verse uses the word to capture Jesus' respectful yet serious inquiry into God's specific purpose, highlighting a deliberate submission rather than passive resignation.
-
Matthew 1:19
Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.
Joseph's decision to divorce Mary quietly is described with this term, showing his considered moral choice to protect her reputation despite legal rights.
-
Acts 5:33
But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were determined to kill them.
The Sanhedrin's determination to kill the apostles illustrates how boulomai can describe a firm, hostile intent formed after hearing challenging truth.
-
I Timothy 2:8
I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.
Paul's instruction for men to pray reflects a deliberate pastoral intention for orderly worship, emphasizing the seriousness of communal prayer.