1595. hekousios

Lexicon

hekousios: Willingly, voluntarily

Original Word: ἑκουσίως
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: hekousios
Pronunciation: heh-koo-see-ohs
Phonetic Spelling: (hek-oo'-see-on)
Definition: Willingly, voluntarily
Meaning: willing, with right good will, voluntary, spontaneous.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

willingly.

Neuter of a derivative from hekon; voluntariness -- willingly.

see GREEK hekon

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 1595 hekoúsion (a substantival adjective, derived from 1635 /hekṓn, "willing, in consent") – properly, willing, i.e. of free-will; consent to act voluntarily (spontaneously). See 1635 (hekōn).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from hekón
Definition
of free will, voluntary
NASB Translation
free will (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1595: ἑκούσιος

ἑκούσιος, ἑκούσιον (ἑκών), voluntary: κατά ἑκούσιον, of free will, Philemon 1:14. (Numbers 15:3; καθ' ἑκουσιαν, Thucydides 8, 27 — ("The word understood in the one case appears to be τρόπον (Porphyry, de abst. 1, 9 καθ' ἑκούσιον τρόπον, comp. Euripides, Med. 751 ἑκουσίῳ τρόπῳ); in the other, γνώμην so ἑκούσια (doubtful, see Liddell and Scott), ἐξ ἑκουσιας, etc.;" cf. Lobeck, Phryn., p. 4; Lightfoot on Philemon, the passage cited; cf. Winer's Grammar, 463 (432)).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἑκούσιος (hekousios), meaning "voluntary" or "willing."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἑκουσίως, the concept of voluntary action is present in the Hebrew Scriptures. Words such as נָדַב (nadab, Strong's Hebrew 5068), meaning "to volunteer" or "to offer freely," capture a similar idea of willing service or offering.

Usage: This term is used in the New Testament to describe actions done out of free will or personal choice, without compulsion or obligation.

Context: The Greek adverb ἑκουσίως appears in the New Testament to emphasize the voluntary nature of an action. It is used to highlight the willingness and intentionality behind a deed, often contrasting with actions done out of necessity or coercion. This term underscores the importance of the heart's disposition in the performance of good works or service.

In 1 Peter 5:2, the apostle Peter exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God "not under compulsion, but willingly (ἑκουσίως), as God would have you." This usage underscores the principle that spiritual leadership and service should stem from a genuine desire to serve God and His people, rather than from external pressure or obligation.

The concept of acting ἑκουσίως is significant in the broader biblical narrative, as it aligns with the theme of God desiring willing obedience and heartfelt devotion from His followers. The voluntary nature of one's actions is often seen as a reflection of true faith and commitment to God's will.

Forms and Transliterations

εκούσια εκουσίοις εκουσιον εκούσιον ἑκούσιον εκουσίου εκουσίω εκουσίων ekousion hekousion hekoúsion

Englishman's Concordance

Philemon 1:14 Adj-ANS
GRK: ἀλλὰ κατὰ ἑκούσιον
NAS: by compulsion but of your own free will.
KJV: necessity, but willingly.
INT: but effect willingly

Strong's Greek 1595
1 Occurrence

ἑκούσιον — 1 Occ.