ΘΕΛΗΜΑ
The will, the purpose, the intention — θέλημα is a pivotal word in Greek philosophy and theology, expressing the inner force that guides actions and decisions, whether it pertains to human choice or the supreme plan of the Divine. Its lexarithmos (93) suggests completion and the fulfillment of a purpose.
Definition
According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, θέλημα (to) is "will, purpose, desire, wish." It is a noun derived from the verb θέλω/ἐθέλω, meaning "to wish, to desire, to be willing." The word θέλημα is not as frequent in classical Greek prose as θέλω or βούλομαι, but it gains particular significance in philosophical and, especially, religious texts.
In classical philosophy, θέλημα is connected with human will and the capacity for choice. Plato, for instance, examines the concept of desire and will in relation to virtue and moral action. The Stoics, for their part, emphasize the importance of aligning human will with the cosmic Reason (Nature) as a path to eudaimonia (flourishing).
The word acquires its pivotal meaning in the Septuagint translation, where it is used to render the Hebrew concept of divine will (רָצוֹן, ratzon; חֵפֶץ, hefetz). In the New Testament, θέλημα becomes a central theological term, referring primarily to "the will of God" (τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ), which expresses the plan of salvation, His commandments, and His sovereign intention for humanity. Obedience to the will of God constitutes a fundamental principle of Christian faith and practice, as characteristically seen in the prayer "Thy will be done."
Etymology
Cognate words include the verb θέλω/ἐθέλω, the adjective θελητός (desirable), the noun θέλησις (the act of willing, volition), and the compound προαίρεσις (choice, preference, moral will), which is often used to distinguish rational will from mere desire.
Main Meanings
- Will, desire, intention — The general concept of an inner inclination or decision.
- Divine will, God's plan — The sovereign intention and purpose of God, as expressed in the Scriptures.
- Human will, free choice — The human capacity to decide and act.
- Ordinance, command, law — That which has been decided or commanded as an expression of will.
- Purpose, aim, pursuit — The ultimate reason or desired outcome of an action.
- Pleasure, good pleasure — Satisfaction or favorable disposition (e.g., "κατὰ τὸ θέλημά μου" - according to my pleasure).
- Consent, agreement — The acceptance or approval of a proposal or action.
Philosophical Journey
Θέλημα, a word deeply rooted in Greek thought, evolved from a general concept of desire into a theological pillar, shaping the understanding of human freedom and divine sovereignty.
In Ancient Texts
Θέλημα, as an expression of will and purpose, runs through ancient Greek literature and acquires pivotal significance in Christian texts.
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΘΕΛΗΜΑ is 93, from the sum of its letter values:
93 decomposes into 90 (tens) + 3 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΘΕΛΗΜΑ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 93 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 3 | 9+3=12 → 1+2=3 — Triad, perfection, divine will and fulfillment of purpose. |
| Letter Count | 6 | 7 letters — Heptad, completeness, spirituality, accomplishment. |
| Cumulative | 3/90/0 | Units 3 · Tens 90 · Hundreds 0 |
| Odd/Even | Odd | Masculine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Left | Material (<100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | Θ-Ε-Λ-Η-Μ-Α | Theion Ergon Logō Hēmin Mēnyetai Alēthōs (Divine Work is Truly Revealed to Us by the Word). |
| Grammatical Groups | 3Φ · 3Η · 0Α | 3 vowels (E, H, A), 3 consonants (Θ, Λ, M), 0 atonic letters. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Venus ♀ / Capricorn ♑ | 93 mod 7 = 2 · 93 mod 12 = 9 |
Isopsephic Words (93)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (93), illuminating different facets of human experience and theological thought, often in dialogue with the concept of will.
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 12 words with lexarithmos 93. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Plato — Laws.
- Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics.
- Aland, K., Black, M., Martini, C. M., Metzger, B. M., Wikgren, A. (eds.) — The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993.
- Septuaginta — Rahlfs-Hanhart Edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2006.
- Chadwick, H. — The Early Church. London: Penguin Books, 1990.
- Meyendorff, J. — Byzantine Theology: Historical Trends and Doctrinal Themes. New York: Fordham University Press, 1979.