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Kingdom in the Bible: Comprehensive Breakdown and Usage of Θέλημα (thelēma)

The Greek word θέλημα (thelēma) is a significant term in classical Greek, biblical texts, and theological discussions. It broadly translates to “will,” “desire,” “purpose,” or “intention.” However, its precise meaning varies depending on context. Below is a comprehensive analysis of its etymology, classical and biblical usage, and theological significance.

1. Kingdom Etymology and Basic Meaning

• Root Word: Derived from θέλω (thelō), meaning “to will, to wish, to desire, to intend.”

• Meaning: The suffix ”-ma” often denotes a result or expression of an action, so thelēma refers to “what is willed” or “that which is desired.”

Thus, thelēma signifies a person’s will, choice, or purpose—whether human, divine, or impersonal.

2. Classical Greek Usage of Kingdom

In classical Greek, thelēma primarily denotes an act of will, decision, or desire, often in personal or political contexts.

A. Human Will and Desire

• Refers to a person’s wishes, preferences, or intentions.

• Common in Greek philosophy and rhetoric to discuss free will and decision-making.

Example from Aristotle (Ethics 1111b25):

“οὐ γὰρ ἐπὶ τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐστιν τὸ θέλημα, ἀλλὰ ἐπὶ τῇ φύσει.”

(“For the will is not in the power of man, but in nature.”)

— Here, thelēma reflects a predetermined course of action, not mere personal choice.

B. Political and Legal Will

• Used in contexts referring to official decrees, legislative decisions, or the will of rulers.

• A king’s thelēma could determine laws, policies, or governance.

Example from Herodotus (Histories 1.91):

“τοῦ βασιλέως θέλημα ἐστιν νόμος.”

(“The king’s will is law.”)

— Thelēma here means authoritative command.

C. Philosophical and Ethical Will

• In Stoic and Platonic philosophy, thelēma is often tied to fate, rational choice, and ethics.

• Used to differentiate between passions (desires) and rational will.

Example from Epictetus (Discourses 1.12.15):

“τὸ ἐμὸν θέλημα οὐκ ἐξαρτᾶται ἀπὸ τῶν ἔξω.”

(“My will does not depend on external things.”)

— The Stoic notion of thelēma as inner autonomy and rational control.

3. Biblical Greek use of Kingdom (Septuagint & New Testament)

In biblical Greek, thelēma is used predominantly in the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament, where it takes on theological significance.

A. Old Testament (Septuagint – LXX)

• Thelēma translates the Hebrew “רָצוֹן” (rāṣôn), meaning “will, pleasure, favor.”

• Often refers to God’s will, human desires, or moral choices.

Example: Psalm 40:8 (LXX 39:9)

“τοῦ ποιῆσαι τὸ θέλημά σου, ὁ Θεός μου, ἠβουλήθην.”

(“I delight to do Your will, O my God.”)

— Thelēma here refers to God’s divine purpose for humanity.

B. New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, thelēma is central to understanding God’s purpose, Jesus’ mission, and the believer’s obedience.

1) The Will of God (Θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ)

• Used frequently to express God’s sovereign will, divine plan, and purpose.

• Often implies moral, redemptive, or eschatological dimensions.

Example: Matthew 6:10 (Lord’s Prayer)

“γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς.”

(“Let Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”)

— Thelēma here signifies God’s perfect purpose being realized on earth.

Example: Ephesians 1:5

“κατὰ τὴν εὐδοκίαν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ.”

(“According to the good pleasure of His will.”)

— Thelēma conveys God’s predetermined plan and sovereign decision.

2) Human Will vs. Divine Will

• The New Testament contrasts human will (thelēma anthrōpou) with God’s will.

• Jesus exemplifies submission to God’s will over human desire.

Example: Matthew 26:39 (Gethsemane Prayer)

“οὐχ ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω, ἀλλ’ ὡς σύ.”

(“Not as I will, but as You will.”)

— Jesus submits His human thelēma to God’s greater purpose.

3) The Will of the Flesh vs. the Will of God

• Thelēma is sometimes used negatively to refer to sinful human desires.

Example: John 1:13

“οὐδὲ ἐκ θελήματος σαρκὸς οὐδὲ ἐκ θελήματος ἀνδρός, ἀλλ’ ἐκ Θεοῦ ἐγεννήθησαν.”

(“Not of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”)

— Thelēma here contrasts human weakness with divine action.

4. Theological and Philosophical Implications of Kingdom

A. The Will of God in Christian Theology

• Thelēma is fundamental to discussions on God’s sovereignty, human free will, and predestination.

• Differentiation between:

1. God’s sovereign will (Decretive Will) – What God ordains.

2. God’s moral will (Preceptive Will) – What God desires humans to do.

3. God’s permissive will – What God allows, even if not ideal.

B. Free Will vs. Determinism

• Philosophical and theological debates often contrast thelēma (will) with necessity, fate, or predestination.

• In Stoic and Christian thought, thelēma is sometimes seen as aligning oneself with divine will.

5. Summary Usage of Kingdom

ContextMeaningExample
Classical Greek (Personal Will)A person’s wish, desire, or choice“My will does not depend on external things” (Epictetus)
Classical Greek (Political/Legal Will)Decree, law, or ruling authority“The king’s will is law” (Herodotus)
Philosophical (Ethical Will)Rational decision-making and autonomy“Will is not in the power of man, but in nature” (Aristotle)
Septuagint (OT)God’s will, human desiresPsalm 40:8 (Doing God’s will)
New Testament (Theological Will)God’s plan and purposeMatthew 6:10 (Lord’s Prayer)
New Testament (Human vs. Divine Will)Jesus’ submission to God’s willMatthew 26:39 (Gethsemane)
New Testament (Fleshly vs. Spiritual Will)Sinful human will vs. God’s willJohn 1:13 (Born of God’s will)

Kingdom Conclusion

The Greek word θέλημα (thelēma) is a profound term encompassing personal desires, political decrees, philosophical notions of free will, and divine purposes. In classical Greek, it refers to individual choice or authoritative rulings. In biblical Greek, it takes on a deeper theological meaning, especially in relation to God’s sovereign plan and human obedience. Understanding thelēma is crucial for grasping discussions on divine will, human agency, and spiritual submission.

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