"to be willing, disposed, Mk. 15:15; Acts 25:20; 28:18; to intend, Mt. 1:19; Acts 5:28; 12:4; 2 Cor. 1:15; to desire, 1 Tim. 6:9; to choose, be pleased, Jn. 18:39; Acts 18:15; Jas. 3:4; to will, decree, appoint, Lk. 22:42; Jas. 1:18; 1 Cor. 12:11; 1 Tim. 2:8; 5:14; ἐβουλόμην, I co..."
Definition and meaning
to be willing, disposed, Mk. 15:15; Acts 25:20; 28:18; to intend, Mt. 1:19; Acts 5:28; 12:4; 2 Cor. 1:15; to desire, 1 Tim. 6:9; to choose, be pleased, Jn. 18:39; Acts 18:15; Jas. 3:4; to will, decree, appoint, Lk. 22:42; Jas. 1:18; 1 Cor. 12:11; 1 Tim. 2:8; 5:14; ἐβουλόμην, I could wish, Acts 25:22
In the original Greek the word is written: βούλομαι
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
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 boulomai (G1014) across the King James Bible.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
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Common questions
Strong's G1014 (boulomai) is a Greek word that means: to be willing, disposed, Mk. 15:15; Acts 25:20; 28:18; to intend, Mt. 1:19; Acts 5:28; 12:4; 2 Cor. 1:15; to desire, 1 Tim. 6:9; to choose, be pleased, Jn. 18:39; Acts 18:15; Jas. 3:4; to will, decree... It appears 32 times in the King James Bible.
The word boulomai (G1014) appears 32 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1014 is boulomai, a Greek word defined as: to be willing, disposed, Mk. 15:15; Acts 25:20; 28:18; to intend, Mt. 1:19; Acts 5:28; 12:4; 2 Cor. 1:15; to desire, 1 Tim. 6:9; to choose, be pleased. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
boulomai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.