ἑκουσίως (hekousiōs)
hekousiōs
voluntarily
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb hekousiōs describes an action taken voluntarily or willingly, arising from one’s own deliberate choice rather than external force. It conveys a sense of spontaneity and conscious intent, marking deeds that are fully owned by the actor.
In Scripture, this word carries significant theological weight by distinguishing between intentional rebellion and accidental failure. In Hebrews 10:26, it qualifies sin committed "wilfully," setting it apart from sins committed in ignorance or weakness. This distinction highlights the gravity of deliberate rejection of divine truth.
The term also appears in 1 Peter 5:2, where elders are urged to shepherd the flock willingly, not under compulsion. Here, hekousiōs underscores the proper attitude of service: a cheerful, voluntary commitment rather than reluctant duty. Its usage consistently points to actions rooted in free will and clear-minded decision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hekousiōs reminds us that our choices carry weight because they come from the heart. When we act voluntarily, we own our actions fully. This applies to both our failures and our service. In Hebrews, it warns against deliberate rejection of truth, showing that intentional sin is serious. Yet in Peter, it encourages leaders to serve with joy, not pressure.
For your daily life, this word invites honesty before God. Are you serving out of duty or delight? Are you resisting grace knowingly or struggling in weakness? God sees the difference between a stumble and a step away. He meets us where we are, calling us to willing hearts that align with His will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- willingly1×
- [If] willingly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἑκουσίως1×
- ἑκουσίως1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,
This verse uses the word to distinguish deliberate, knowing rejection of Christ from sins of weakness or ignorance.
-
I Peter 5:2
shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly;
Here it defines the proper motive for church leaders: serving with cheerful willingness rather than reluctant obligation.