νοῦς (nous)
nous
mind
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word nous refers to the mind as the central faculty of understanding, reason, and perception. In the New Testament, it encompasses not just intellectual thought but also the capacity to judge, feel, and determine purpose. This broad definition allows it to describe both the human ability to grasp spiritual truth and the specific thoughts or intentions that guide behavior.
Paul frequently contrasts nous with other aspects of human nature to highlight different ways of being. In Romans 7:25, he distinguishes the mind from the flesh, while in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, he sets it against spiritual tongues and speech. This usage suggests that nous represents the conscious, rational center of the person, capable of aligning with divine purpose or remaining disconnected from it.
The term also appears in Revelation to describe wisdom and insight, particularly in passages about understanding complex symbols (Revelation 13:18; 17:9). Here, nous signifies the discernment needed to interpret God’s messages correctly. Translators often render it as "mind" or "understanding," reflecting its role as the seat of both knowledge and moral direction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nous points to the inner center where we process truth, make decisions, and connect with God. It is not merely intellectual data but the whole faculty of understanding that shapes how we see reality. When our minds are renewed, we begin to perceive life through a lens of grace rather than fear or worldly pressure.
This renewal happens as we engage with Scripture and prayer. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 that transformation comes through this mental shift, allowing us to discern God’s will clearly. It is an invitation to align our deepest thoughts with divine purpose, finding peace even when circumstances are confusing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mind13×
- [the] mind3×
- understanding2×
- with mind1×
- the mind1×
- mind;1×
- mind.1×
- in mind,1×
- in mind1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νοῦν8×
- νοὸς5×
- νοῦς3×
- νοῒ3×
- νοῦν,1×
- νοΐ·1×
- νοΐ.1×
- νοΐ1×
- νοός1×
Key Verses
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Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
This verse highlights the active process of mental renewal as the means to discern God's will.
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Luke 24:45
Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.
Jesus opens the disciples' minds to understand Scripture, showing divine illumination is necessary for true comprehension.
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I Corinthians 14:15
What should I do? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Paul balances spiritual experience with conscious understanding, emphasizing that worship involves the whole person.
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Revelation of John 13:18
Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.
Here, understanding is linked to wisdom and discernment in interpreting complex prophetic symbols.