Lexical Summary bouleuó: To counsel, to plan, to deliberate, to resolve Original Word: βουλεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consult, take counsel, determine, purpose. From boule; to advise, i.e. (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve -- consult, take counsel, determine, be minded, purpose. see GREEK boule NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom boulé Definition to take counsel, deliberate NASB Translation consider (1), planned (1), planned together (1), purpose (2), resolved (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1011: βουλεύωβουλεύω: 1. to deliberate, take counsel, resolve, give counsel (Isaiah 23:8; (from Homer down)). 2. to be a councillor or senator, discharge the office of a senator: Xenophon, mem. 1, 1, 18; Plato, Gorgias, p. 473{e}; (others). In the N. T. middle, (present βουλεύομαι; imperfect ἐβουλευομην; future βουλεύσομαι, Luke 14:31 L marginal reading T WH; 1 aorist ἐβουλευσαμην): 1. to deliberate with oneself consider: followed by εἰ, Luke 14:31, (Xenophon, mem. 3, 6, 8). 2. to take counsel, resolve: followed by an infinitive, Acts 5:33 (R G T Tr marginal reading); The verb behind Strong’s Greek 1011 conveys the act of deliberate, purposeful planning—whether by an individual, a council, or a collective body. Scripture employs the term to describe both noble, transparent decisions and sinister conspiracies. The word assumes careful weighing of options, a settled intention, and movement toward implementation. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. 2 Corinthians 1:17 (twice). Paul defends the integrity of his travel plans: “When I planned this, did I do so lightly? Or do I make my plans according to the flesh, so that I say ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’ at the same time?”. These six verses reveal planning in three distinct spheres: apostolic integrity, prudent foresight, and murderous conspiracy. Human Deliberation in Contrast with Divine Purpose Scripture consistently affirms that human counsel is subordinate to God’s sovereign plan (Proverbs 19:21). Paul’s use demonstrates transparent, Spirit–guided planning. The Sanhedrin’s plotting illustrates plans set against the Messiah, yet even their conspiracy fulfills prophecy (Psalm 2:1–2; Acts 4:27–28). Luke’s maritime narrative shows prudence as a gift of common grace, yet final deliverance still depends on God’s promise (Acts 27:23–24). Ethical Implications for Believers • Integrity in planning: Paul insists that Christian planning must be free from duplicity. Christological and Redemptive Significance The chief priests’ deliberations move the passion narrative forward. Human evil intentions become the very means by which the atoning work of Jesus is accomplished (John 11:49–52). The deliberate decision to kill Lazarus underlines the hardness of unbelief even in the face of undeniable resurrection power. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Judaism, the Sanhedrin functioned as supreme court and senate; formal deliberation was expected to handle capital cases (John 11:47). Greco-Roman seafaring required collective decision-making among shipowners, pilot, and centurion, explaining the joint counsel in Acts 27:39. In royal warfare, deliberation over troop strength was standard practice, reflected in Jesus’ didactic use of the illustration. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Leadership teams should pray, deliberate, and communicate plans plainly, emulating Paul’s transparency. Theological Reflection The verb underscores humanity’s real agency without negating divine sovereignty. God ordains outcomes yet holds individuals responsible for their counsel. Paul’s “yes” and “no” converge with God’s unwavering “Yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:19–20), displaying perfect coherence between human plans surrendered to God and His eternal purpose. Key Points for Teaching and Preaching 1. Christian planning is legitimate and necessary but must be anchored in honesty and reliance on the Lord. Englishman's Concordance Luke 14:31 V-FIM-3SGRK: καθίσας πρῶτον βουλεύσεται εἰ δυνατός NAS: sit down and consider whether KJV: first, and consulteth whether INT: having sat down first takes counsel whether able John 11:53 V-AIM-3P John 12:10 V-AIM-3P Acts 27:39 V-IIM/P-3P 2 Corinthians 1:17 V-PIM/P-1S 2 Corinthians 1:17 V-PIM/P-1S Strong's Greek 1011 |
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