Lexical Summary logismos: Thought, reasoning, argument, speculation Original Word: λογισμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance imagination, thought. From logizomai; computation, i.e. (figuratively) reasoning (conscience, conceit) -- imagination, thought. see GREEK logizomai HELPS Word-studies 3053 logismós (from 3049 /logízomai, "to reckon") – properly, "bottom-line" reasoning that reflects someone's values, i.e. how they personally assign weight in determining what they find reasonable. 3053 /logismós ("calculated arguments, thoughts") emphasizes reaching a personal opinion, i.e. what comes out of a personal reckoning. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom logizomai Definition a reasoning, a thought NASB Translation speculations (1), thoughts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3053: λογισμόςλογισμός, λογισμοῦ, ὁ (λογίζομαι)); 1. a reckoning, computation. 2. a reasoning: such as is hostile to the Christian faith, 2 Corinthians 10:4(5) (A. V. imaginations). 3. a judgment, decision: such as conscience passes, Romans 2:15 (A. V. thoughts). (Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Demosthenes, others; the Sept. for מַחֵשָׁבָה, as Proverbs 6:18; Jeremiah 11:19; Psalm 32:10 Λογισμός in classical usage denoted the calculated, reflective side of human thought: arguments marshalled in the mind, moral deliberations, and philosophical deductions. By the first century, the term could be applied both to disciplined reasoning and to speculative rationalizations that defended questionable behavior. This dual sense—noble deliberation versus self-justifying argument—forms the backdrop for the New Testament uses. Occurrences in the New Testament Romans 2:15 employs the plural form to describe inner “thoughts” that either accuse or defend Gentiles who act in line with the moral law written on their hearts. Paul treats these λογισμοί as witnesses in the courtroom of conscience, demonstrating that even without the Mosaic code, humanity possesses an internal rational faculty capable of moral assessment. 2 Corinthians 10:5 turns the word toward spiritual combat: “We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Here λογισμοί are philosophical strongholds—self-exalting patterns of reasoning that oppose divine revelation. Paul does not denigrate reason itself but insists that every strand of human logic must submit to the lordship of Christ. Old Testament Background (Septuagint) The Septuagint frequently renders Hebrew terms for plans, devices, or imaginings with λογισμός. Proverbs 6:18 condemns “a heart that devises wicked schemes,” while Jeremiah 29:11 contrasts human schemes with the saving “plans” of the Lord. This usage prepared Jewish readers to view λογισμοί either as righteous designs aligned with God’s will or as corrupt plots requiring repentance. Pauline Theology of the Mind Paul’s anthropology treats the mind as a battleground. Romans 1:21 speaks of futile thinking darkened by sin, whereas Romans 12:2 calls believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Λογισμός fits within this framework as the concrete output of the inner reasoning faculty. In the unregenerate state, λογισμοί often rationalize rebellion; in the redeemed life, they become instruments of sanctified wisdom. Historical Reception in the Early Church Early Christian exegetes such as Origen and John Chrysostom highlighted 2 Corinthians 10:5 when urging believers to scrutinize every doctrinal claim. They identified false λογισμοί with heretical speculations and urged their audiences to measure arguments by the apostolic rule of faith. Monastic writers later applied the verse to intrusive thoughts in personal holiness, teaching that sinful reasonings must be seized and replaced with Scripture. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications 1. Conscience Formation: Romans 2:15 shows that moral reasoning is a God-given faculty. Pastors can appeal to λογισμοί when engaging unbelievers, trusting that consciences already echo divine standards. Implications for Worship and Ethics Worship involves more than emotion; it requires the surrender of λογισμοί to God’s self-disclosure. Ethically, believers examine not only outward actions but also the thought-processes that precede them. Repentance thus encompasses distorted reasoning patterns, and sanctification nurtures a disciplined intellect that plans, decides, and dreams under Scripture’s authority. Summary Λογισμός captures the dynamic realm of human reasoning—sometimes objective and morally attuned, at other times rebellious and self-exalting. Scripture acknowledges its power, holds it accountable to God’s standard, and offers redemption through the mind of Christ. Englishman's Concordance Romans 2:15 N-GMPGRK: ἀλλήλων τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ NAS: bearing witness and their thoughts alternately KJV: and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing INT: one another the thoughts accusing or 2 Corinthians 10:5 N-AMP Strong's Greek 3053 |
    |