Lexical Summary nounechós: Sensibly, prudently, wisely Original Word: νουνεχῶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance discreetly. Adverb from a comparative of the accusative case of nous and echo; in a mind-having way, i.e. Prudently -- discreetly. see GREEK nous see GREEK echo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nous and echó Definition sensibly, discreetly NASB Translation intelligently (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3562: νουνεχῶςνουνεχῶς (νοῦς and ἔχω (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 599)), adverb wisely, prudently, discreetly: Mark 12:34. ((Aristotle, rhet. Alex. 30, p. 1436{b}, 33 νουνεχῶς καί δικαίως); Polybius 1, 83, 3 νουνεχῶς καί φρονίμως; (2, 13, 1); 5, 88, 2 νουνεχῶς καί πραγματικως; (others).) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope While occurring only once in the Greek New Testament, the adverb νουνεχῶς embodies the idea of thinking and responding with sound, balanced judgment—practical, godly insight that joins knowledge to obedient action. Biblical Setting (Mark 12:28-34) A scribe asks Jesus to identify the foremost commandment. Jesus answers by joining Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18. Verse 34 records the Lord’s response to the scribe’s summation: “When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’” (Mark 12:34). νουνεχῶς describes the quality of the scribe’s reply—he grasped the heart of the Law and articulated it with discernment. Theology of Wise Response 1. Wisdom as Nearness to the Kingdom Old Testament Foundations Proverbs repeatedly extols prudent speech (for example, Proverbs 16:23), showing that the wisdom lauded by Jesus is consistent with earlier revelation. Deuteronomy 4:6 anticipated Israel displaying “wisdom and understanding” through obedience; νουνεχῶς in Mark 12 fulfills that aspiration in embryonic form. Christological Significance By affirming the scribe’s discerning answer, Jesus validates the Law’s core while simultaneously revealing Himself as its fulfillment (Matthew 5:17). The episode highlights Christ as the ultimate teacher whose commendation authenticates true wisdom. Historical Reception Early church writers (e.g., Irenaeus, Origen) cited Mark 12 to demonstrate that authentic knowledge must culminate in love. Medieval commentators used the passage to warn against scholasticism divorced from charity. Reformers pointed to the scene to argue that Scripture interprets Scripture: New Testament clarity (Jesus’ summary) governs Old Testament precept. Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching: Encourage believers to integrate doctrinal accuracy with loving application, aiming for νουνεχῶς discourse in classrooms and pulpits. Related New Testament Themes Although νουνεχῶς appears only in Mark 12:34, its concept resonates with: Doctrinal Summary νουνεχῶς affirms that God-honoring wisdom: 1. Springs from Scripture. Therefore, believers and congregations are called to cultivate prudent, loving engagement with God’s Word and world, exemplifying the wisdom our Lord commends. Forms and Transliterations νουνεχως νουνεχώς νουνεχῶς nounechos nounechôs nounechōs nounechō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |