"purpose, will, determination, Acts 27:43; Rom. 9:19; 1 Pet. 4:3*"
Definition and meaning
purpose, will, determination, Acts 27:43; Rom. 9:19; 1 Pet. 4:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: βούλημα
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of boulema (G1013) across the King James Bible.
But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G1013 (boulema) is a Greek word that means: purpose, will, determination, Acts 27:43; Rom. 9:19; 1 Pet. 4:3* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word boulema (G1013) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1013 is boulema, a Greek word defined as: purpose, will, determination, Acts 27:43; Rom. 9:19; 1 Pet. 4:3*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
boulema is a Greek word found in the New Testament.