λογισμός

logismós

G3053 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The process or result of logical calculation, reasoning, or deliberative thought; specifically, an exercise of the intellect involving evaluation, planning, or drawing conclusions. In philosophical contexts, the term denotes a rational discourse or argument; in moral or psychological contexts, it refers to internal deliberations, considerations, or states of mind, including intentions or motives.

Semantic Range

reasoning, calculation, deliberation, internal argument, thoughtful consideration, mental reflection, imagination (of plans or intentions), scheming, rational account

Root / Etymology

From the root λογ- (speech, reason) and the verb λογίζομαι (to reckon, to calculate, to consider), with the ending -μός indicating a result or process, thus denoting 'the act or result of reasoning or calculating'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, λογισμός is widely used for a rational calculation, computation, or logical reasoning, both in mathematical and philosophical contexts. By the Hellenistic and Koine period, it was already well established to refer to mental deliberation, judgment, or reasoned opinion. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew terms for thought, intention, or plan, sometimes with a negative nuance, such as 'scheming' or 'evil intent'. In the New Testament (e.g., Romans 2:15, 2 Corinthians 10:5), it can denote internal thoughts, reasonings, deliberations, or arguments (often those opposed to divine knowledge). English translations like 'imagination', 'thought', 'reasoning', or 'argument' reflect aspects of its meaning but often fail to capture the sense of deliberate intellectual process the word originally conveyed. Distinct from more neutral words such as διάνοια (mind), λογισμός emphasizes calculation or evaluative consideration.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from λογίζομαι; computation, i.e. (figuratively) reasoning (conscience, conceit):--imagination, thought.

Root Family

λογισμός (logismos) — reasoning, calculation, deliberation, consideration

Root λογ- to reckon, to think, to consider, to reason

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3053-02 λογισμοὺς logismous N ACC M PL arguments deliberate reasonings deliberate reasonings 1
G3053-01 λογισμῶν logismon N GEN M PL thoughts of reasonings reasonings 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3053-01 Romans 2:15 λογισμῶν logismon N GEN M PL thoughts of reasonings reasonings
G3053-02 2 Corinthians 10:4 λογισμοὺς logismous N ACC M PL arguments deliberate reasonings deliberate reasonings