The meaning of “θέλω”
Understanding thélō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
apparently strengthened from the alternate form of αἱρέομαι desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, ple...
θέλω
apparently strengthened from the alternate form of αἱρέομαι desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)). - to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse - whereas βούλομαι properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively) - by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly) - impersonally for the future tense, to be about to - by Hebraism, to delight in
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 18:30 | “And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.” Word: θέλω (thélō) | |
| Acts 18:21 | “But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.” Word: θέλω (thélō) | |
| Galatians 4:20 | “I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.” Word: θέλω (thélō) | |
| 2 Thessalonians 3:10 | “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Word: θέλω (thélō) | |
| Hebrews 12:17 | “For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Word: θέλω (thélō) |