This week we begin a study of the word νὸημα (Strong's #3540). Νὸημα is derived from the verb νοὲω (Strong's #3539), which means "to think, to perceive." Νοὲω is from the noun νοῦς (Strong's #3563) referring to the perceptive abilities of the mind, with which you will be familiar if you followed the eight part study we just concluded on the word νοῦς entitled "NOUS - mind, thought, understanding, spiritual perception." Both νοῦς and νὸημα are nouns related to the perceptions of the mind with νὸημα being a μα noun of the third declension indicating that it represents activity or expression. Νοῦς names the perceptive abilities of the mind, whereas νὸημα represents the perceptive activities, even the perceptions and thoughts themselves. A good example of this word relationship, and one that may bring further clarity, is χὰρις and χὰρισμα. Χὰρις (Strong's # 5485) means "grace." Χὰρισμα (Strong's #5486) means "activity of grace" or "expression of grace." Χὰρις is a noun that names the theme or motive, which would be "grace." Χὰρισμα is a μα noun of the third declension, which names the activity or expression of grace. Χὰρισμα is used when representing the outcome of grace being ministered or expressed.
This week's study is taken from 2 Corinthians 2:11. In this chapter, Paul is dealing with the function of discipline and rebuke within the church. Previously, in , Paul had instructed these Christians on how to deal with a particular person in their fellowship who was engaged in the sin of sexual immorality. Paul said that the person ought to be put out of the fellowship and that the Corinthian Christians should not even eat with him until he made full confession and expressed a forsaking of the sin. Here, in , Paul is addressing that same fellowship telling them to forgive the man who has confessed his sin, so that Satan will not take advantage of the situation by causing further division within their fellowship.
Paul begins with two thoughts. The first is that he has decided not to return to them in grief. The second is that they are a source of joy for him and he does not want to be grieved by them. Then he gives two reasons for writing. The first is his desire to express his love for them, which he shows by stating that he writes through many tears, in affliction and distress of heart, in order that they might know the love he has for them. He does not want to grieve them. He reassures them that he himself is not grieved.
In verse 6, Paul begins his correction of the church's actions, "This rebuke (the rebuke of the sinner by the church) is sufficient which was brought about by the majority, so that you should forgive and encourage him in order that such a one should not be swallowed up by abundant grief." He then tells them that they should confirm their love toward the one who has confessed and forsaken his sin.
In verse 9, Paul presents the second reason why he is writing to them: "in order that I might know the proof of you, if you are obedient toward all things." Then he explains that for their sakes and before Christ, he himself forgives.
Verse 11 holds the purpose for Paul forgiving those who confess and forsake their sin: "in order that we should not be taken advantage of by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his thoughts" (νὸημα) (Literal Translation).
Paul begins this verse with a conjunction expressing purpose, ἵνα (Strong's #2443), which is translated "in order that." Paul explains that we need to be quick to forgive those who confess their sins so that Satan cannot take advantage of us. He then gives the reason: "for we are not ignorant of his (Satan's) thoughts." Paul uses the word νὸημα to describe the thoughts and perceptions (also translated "devices" by some English translations). Satan is presented as having the abilities to think, to collect data, and to arrive at perceptions upon which he bases his attacks.
We know from Job 1:8 that Satan studies or scouts God's people and accuses them before God
day and night (See also Revelation 12:10). In addition, Paul tells us, in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on all the armor of God, in order that you might be able F1 that you should stand F2 against the schemings of the Devil;" The word Paul uses to describe "schemings" is μεθοδεὶα (Strong's #3180) which means "method," or "an orderly designed plan for execution." The Bible presents the fact that Satan studies God's people and puts together a plan or method of attack. Satan collects the data and then has the ability to arrive at "perceptions" as to the best plan of attack. What he actually arrives at is a system or method of attack. The first attack he uses against a believer might not be of great concern to Satan. In fact, he might bring many trials against a believer in order to wear that believer down. The word for persecution in the Bible is διὼκω (Strong's #1377) that literally means "to chase," or "to make someone flee." Satan arranges a series of circumstances to cause a believer to run. He does not have the power to overcome a believer, so he chases him in hopes that he will become weary and discouraged and give up.
We need to understand the methods Satan uses against us as they are presented and explained by the writers of Scripture. We should understand from our study that Satan has the ability to entertain thoughts and arrive at a plan made up of the perceptions that he understands about us. We should not be ignorant of Satan's abilities nor of his devices.
Next week we will continue our study of νὸημα from .
F1 The prepositional phrase with the articular infinitive expressing purpose πρὸς͂τὸ͂δὺνασθαῖὑμᾶς, "to the to be able you" is translated by διὰ͂νὰ͂δυναθῆτε, "in order that you might be able."
F2 The infinitive of purpose στῆναι, "to stand" is translated by νὰ͂σταθῆτε, "that you might stand."
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Bill Klein has been a pastor, counselor, and educator for the past 41 years. He has had extensive training and education in biblical languages, and has authored a Biblical Greek course.
He is currently serving as Professor of Biblical Greek at Master's Graduate School of Divinity, and president of BTE Ministries - The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America, a non-profit organization located in California that provides Bible study tapes and Greek study materials through their website BTEMinistries.org.