ἐνθυμέομαι (enthumeomai)
enthumeomai
to reflect on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb enthumeomai means to reflect on or ponder something deeply. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of Matthew, describing a moment of serious internal consideration. In Matthew 1:20, an angel speaks to Joseph while he is enthumeomai, suggesting that Joseph was actively turning the situation over in his mind before making a decision.
This word comes from a combination meaning "in" and "thought" or "spirit," pointing to an inward mental process. It is not merely casual thinking but involves deliberate attention. The sources note its use for bringing something to mind with care, highlighting the weight of the thoughts involved in these specific biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word enthumeomai invites us into a quiet space of serious reflection. It describes more than passing thoughts; it is the deliberate act of turning something over in your mind with care and weight. When Joseph faced an unexpected situation, he did not react impulsively but took time to consider what was right before him.
This inward process reminds us that thoughtful consideration is a valid part of faith. God often meets us in these moments of quiet deliberation. By slowing down to reflect on our circumstances, we create room for divine guidance to enter our decisions with clarity and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was pondering1×
- think1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνθυμηθέντος1×
- ἐνθυμεῖσθε1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:20
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
This verse shows Joseph actively weighing a difficult decision before the angel's message provides direction.
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Matthew 9:4
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
Jesus perceives the internal reflection of the scribes, highlighting that hidden thoughts are known to Him.