Mind/thought
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
3, where the local argument determines whether the emphasis is doctrinal, ethical, pastoral, or ministry-related. The companion therefore treats Mind/Thought as a passage-governed word study rather than a detached lexical slogan.
Reader summary
Full entry for νόημα (G3540) · Open the biblical lexicon
3, where the local argument determines whether the emphasis is doctrinal, ethical, pastoral, or ministry-related. The companion therefore treats Mind/Thought as a passage-governed word study rather than a detached lexical slogan.
The BSB source-word alignment has 6 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include minds (4), schemes (1), thought (1).
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at 2 Corinthians 2:11. Its strongest book concentrations include 2 Corinthians (5), Philippians (1).
G3540 is represented in this Pauline-focused companion by the reviewed display gloss "mind/thought." In Paul's letters, the term appears in passages such as 2Cor. 10. 5, Php. 4. 7, 2Cor. 11. 3, where the local argument determines whether the emphasis is doctrinal, ethical, pastoral, or ministry-related. The companion therefore treats Mind/Thought as a passage-governed word study rather than a detached lexical slogan.
It gives teachers a compact way to notice the term, compare several Pauline settings, and move toward application only after the immediate context has set the boundary. The aim is disciplined clarity: the Greek term can sharpen reading, but it does not replace the grammar, flow, and theological burden of the passage itself.
G3540 appears in Pauline contexts that require close attention to the passage. This companion uses three local anchors to keep the word mind/thought tied to Paul's argument and pastoral aim.
We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2Cor.10.5 anchors G3540 in a local Pauline context where mind/thought must be read from the argument of the passage rather than from a bare word list.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Php.4.7 shows another Pauline setting for the same term, helping teachers compare usage without forcing every occurrence to carry the same emphasis.
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
2Cor.11.3 gives a further control text so doctrine and application remain passage-governed and not driven by the gloss alone.
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders ItA compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
Greek word. Mental intention or deliberate purpose, distinct from mere surface thought; often connotes hidden designs or schemes.
Mental intention or deliberate purpose, distinct from mere surface thought; often connotes hidden designs or schemes.
(νοέω) [in LXX: Sir.21:11, Bar.2:8, 3Ma.5:30 * ;] a thought, purpose, design: 2Co.2:11 10:5 11:3, Php.4:7. Meton., of the mind, 2Co.3:14 4:4.
Textus Receptus witness, full corpus Greek token appearances from Scrivener 1894 Textus Receptus in the full New Testament corpus.
6 Greek text appearances shown. Linked morphology labels have verse guides.
a thought, design, the mind
Read versea thought, design, the mind
Read versea thought, design, the mind
Read versea thought, design, the mind
Read versea thought, design, the mind
Read versea thought, design, the mind
Read verseFull New Testament corpus: 260 chapters, 7,957 verses, 140,628 tokens. Data source: honza/textus-receptus (data only), with authority check against byztxt/greektext-textus-receptus.
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
This word appears as a noun across 3 case and number patterns. The form changes show how the word functions in a sentence; they do not change the basic lexical meaning by themselves.
Verse guides are not available for this word yet, so verse references remain plain evidence markers.
νόημα is built from this root:
G3540 helps teachers slow down where English readers may move too quickly. The word can illuminate Paul's reasoning, but only when it is held inside the sentence, paragraph, and letter. Across 2Cor.10.5, Php.4.7, 2Cor.11.3, the pastoral value is not novelty. It is the steady discipline of asking how the word serves Paul's gospel logic, church instruction, moral warning, or ministry encouragement in context.
2Cor.10.5
Mind/thought is the reviewed display gloss for G3540. In this Pauline-focused companion, local STEP TAGNT evidence shows about 6 Pauline use(s), with common forms including N-APN 3, N-NPN 2, N-ASN 1. Treat these form signals as support for reading the passage, not as a replacement for context.
The Pauline use of G3540 should be joined to larger biblical theology only through the cited passages and their own contexts. This keeps mind/thought from becoming a free-floating doctrinal shortcut.
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain