ΘΕΛΗΜΑ
Thelema, a word traversing Greek thought from classical philosophy to Christian theology, expresses the concept of will, desire, and purpose. In the New Testament, the "will of God" (τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ) becomes a central axis, signifying the sovereign intention and plan of the Creator. Its lexarithmos (93) underscores the importance of choice and a determined course.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, θέλημα (τό) primarily means "will, desire, purpose, decision." The word derives from the verb θέλω, meaning "to wish, to desire, to be willing, to prefer." In classical Greek, though less frequent than βούλησις, it describes human desire or intention, often in relation to the fulfillment of a goal. For instance, in Plato, θέλημα can refer to the soul's desire or an individual's purpose.
The word's significance expands and gains particular weight during the Hellenistic period and especially in the Koine Greek of the Septuagint and the New Testament. Here, θέλημα is used extensively to denote not only human will but, pre-eminently, the "will of God" (τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ). This divine will is not merely a desire but a sovereign, determining intention and plan that dictates the course of events and human salvation. It is the manifestation of divine authority and love.
In Christian theology, obedience to the will of God becomes a central virtue and a prerequisite for spiritual life. The phrase "Thy will be done" (γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου) from the Lord's Prayer encapsulates this tradition, emphasizing complete submission and trust in God's providence. Θέλημα is differentiated from simple desire (ἐπιθυμία) as it carries the connotation of conscious decision and purpose.
Etymology
From the root ΘΕΛ- are derived words such as the verb θέλω ("to wish, to be willing"), the adjective θελητός ("desired, wished for"), the noun θέλησις ("will, desire"), and compounds like ἀθέλητος ("unwilling, involuntary"). The root maintains its basic meaning throughout the word family, emphasizing the active aspect of willing.
Main Meanings
- Desire, wish — Simple human longing for something.
- Will, intention — The conscious decision or purpose of an individual.
- Divine will, providence — The sovereign intention and plan of God, especially in the New Testament.
- Command, decree — That which is ordained or commanded by a higher authority, as an expression of its will.
- Voluntary act, consent — An action performed willingly, as opposed to involuntarily.
- Choice, preference — The preference of one thing over another, as a result of will.
- Disposition, state of mind — The inner state or inclination of the soul towards something.
Word Family
ΘΕΛ- (root of the verb θέλω, meaning "to wish, to be willing")
The Ancient Greek root ΘΕΛ- forms the basis of a word family centered around the concept of will, desire, and intention. Although its precise origin belongs to the oldest stratum of the Greek language, its semantic contribution is clear: it expresses an inner inclination towards an action or state. From this root are developed verbs denoting the act of willing, nouns describing will itself as a concept, and adjectives characterizing what is desired or voluntary. Each member of the family illuminates a different facet of this fundamental human and divine attribute.
Philosophical Journey
The word θέλημα has a rich trajectory in Greek thought, evolving from its classical use for human desire into a central theological term.
In Ancient Texts
Three of the most significant passages that highlight the importance of θέλημα in the New Testament and Patristic thought.
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, perfect balance, the completion of purpose. |
| Letter Count | 6 | 7 letters (Θ-Ε-Λ-Η-Μ-Α) — Heptad, the number of perfection and divine order. |
| 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 | Θεία Ἐντολὴ Λυτρώνει Ἡμᾶς Μέσω Ἀγάπης (Divine Command Redeems Us Through Love). (An interpretive connection to divine will and salvation.) |
| Grammatical Groups | 3V · 4C | 3 vowels (E, H, A) and 4 consonants (Θ, Λ, Μ) — a harmonious composition suggesting stability and expression. |
| 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) as θέλημα, but from different roots, offering an interesting numerical coexistence.
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.
- Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG). 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
- Plato — Republic, Laws.
- New Testament — Gospel of Matthew, Letter to the Romans, Gospel of John.
- Basil the Great — On the Holy Spirit.
- Maximus the Confessor — Ambigua, Letters.
- Lampe, G. W. H. — A Patristic Greek Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1961.