γνώμη (gnōmē)
gnōmē
resolution
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun gnōmē refers to a settled purpose or judgment formed by the mind. Derived from the verb for knowing (ginōskō), it moves beyond mere intellectual awareness to describe the will’s decision. In Acts 20:3, Paul mentions his gnōmē when describing his determined plan to visit Macedonia and Achaia, showing how the word captures a resolved course of action.
Its usage varies slightly across contexts. In 1 Corinthians 7:25 and 40, it translates "conclusion" or "judgment," reflecting Paul’s reasoned advice on marriage rather than a direct command. In Revelation 17:13, it describes the unified purpose of kings who give their power to the beast, highlighting a collective political resolve. The word bridges internal thought and external intent.
Translators often render gnōmē as "purpose," "mind," or "judgment" depending on whether the focus is on personal conviction or shared consensus. Unlike simple opinion, it implies a firm stance reached after consideration. This distinction helps readers see that biblical decisions are not impulsive but grounded in deliberate understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word points to a settled purpose formed by the mind. It is more than a fleeting thought or casual opinion. When you read about gnōmē, you are seeing a decision that has been weighed and chosen with intent. In Acts 20:3, Paul shows this clearly when he changes his travel plans because of a plot against him. His resolution was firm, yet flexible enough to respond to new circumstances.
Paul also uses this term in his letters to offer advice rather than strict commands. In 1 Corinthians 7, he shares his judgment on marriage, noting that he speaks as one trusted by the Lord. This shows that biblical wisdom often involves careful reasoning and personal conviction. It invites you to seek clarity in your own decisions, trusting that God guides your settled purpose.
Even in Revelation, this word describes a unified resolve among kings. Their collective mind is set on a specific path. For you, this means your choices matter. When you align your will with God’s guidance, your resolutions become steady and meaningful. You can trust that He works through your deliberate steps to bring about His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- purpose2×
- mind1×
- judgment;1×
- judgment.1×
- judgment1×
- consent1×
- a purpose1×
- a judgment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γνώμην5×
- γνώμης2×
- γνώμῃ.¶1×
- γνώμην·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:3
When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.
Paul demonstrates a firm resolution to change his travel route due to a threat, showing how gnōmē reflects a decisive course of action.
-
I Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy.
Paul offers his reasoned judgment on virginity as advice from the Lord, highlighting the word's use for trusted spiritual counsel rather than direct command.
-
Revelation of John 17:13
These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast.
The kings share a single resolved purpose to give their power to the beast, illustrating a collective and unified political determination.