νόημα (noēma)
noēma
mind/thought
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun noēma refers to a specific thought, mental perception, or deliberate purpose. Derived from the verb for thinking (noeō), it points to the content of the mind rather than the faculty itself. In Scripture, it often describes a concrete design or intention that has taken shape in someone’s consciousness.
This word appears six times in the New Testament, with a strong concentration in Paul’s letters to Corinth and Philippi. For instance, in 2 Corinthians 10:5, it describes thoughts that must be taken captive to obey Christ, highlighting its use for specific mental arguments or ideas. In Philippians 4:7, it refers to the peace of God guarding hearts and minds, suggesting a state of settled, purposeful thinking protected from anxiety.
While less common than other words for mind like dianoia or phrēn, noēma carries weight in contexts involving spiritual discernment. Paul uses it to contrast human reasoning with divine truth, particularly when discussing how the minds of some are blinded or hardened (2 Corinthians 3:14; 4:4). It underscores that true understanding requires a shift in one’s fundamental mental orientation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word noēma points to the specific content of our thinking—the actual ideas, plans, or mental images that occupy our minds. It is not just the ability to think, but what we are actively considering at a given moment. This distinction matters because it suggests our thoughts are tangible things we can examine and direct.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul urges believers to take every thought captive to obey Christ. This implies that our mental landscape is not neutral ground. We have the agency to evaluate our ideas against the truth of God’s Word. When anxiety or confusion arises, this word invites us to look closely at what we are actually thinking and to align it with divine reality.
Similarly, Philippians 4:7 promises that God’s peace will guard these specific thoughts. This is not a vague feeling but a protective watch over our mental focus. By fixing our attention on Christ, we allow His peace to stand sentry over our minds, keeping us steady when circumstances try to pull our thinking in different directions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- minds4×
- thought1×
- schemes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νοήματα5×
- νόημα1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 10:5
throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
This verse uses the word to describe specific arguments or proud opinions that must be actively captured and submitted to Christ's authority.
-
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Here the term refers to the concrete mental focus that God’s peace protects, ensuring stability against anxiety.
-
II Corinthians 3:14
But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away.
The word describes a hardened state of mind where individuals fail to perceive the spiritual meaning of the old covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does noēma mean in the Bible?
How is noēma different from dianoia?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)
II Corinthians 5 verses
that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
II Corinthians 3:14But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains,…
II Corinthians 4:4in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of…
II Corinthians 10:5throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought…
II Corinthians 11:3But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the…