Original Word: ἑκουσίως
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: hekousiós
Pronunciation: heh-koo-see-OS
Phonetic Spelling: (hek-oo-see'-ose)
Definition: willingly, of one's own accord, spontaneously.
Meaning: The adverb ἑκουσίως means "willingly," "voluntarily," or "of one's own accord."

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἑκούσιος (hekousios), meaning "voluntary" or "willing."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἑκουσίως, the concept of voluntary action is present in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Hebrew word נְדָבָה (nedavah, Strong's H5071) conveys a similar idea of freewill offerings or voluntary contributions, reflecting the heart's willingness to give or serve.

Usage: This term is used in the New Testament to describe actions that are done out of one's own free will, without compulsion or obligation.

Context: The Greek adverb ἑκουσίως appears in the New Testament to emphasize the voluntary nature of an action. It is used to highlight the willingness and intentionality behind a deed, contrasting with actions performed under duress or compulsion. This term underscores the importance of the heart's disposition in the performance of good works or service.

In 1 Peter 5:2, the apostle Peter exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God "not under compulsion, but willingly (ἑκουσίως), as God would have you." This usage emphasizes the importance of serving with a willing heart, reflecting a genuine desire to fulfill God's calling rather than merely fulfilling a duty.

The concept of voluntary action is significant in the Christian faith, as it aligns with the broader biblical theme of serving God and others out of love and devotion rather than obligation. The use of ἑκουσίως in the New Testament serves as a reminder that God values the intentions and motivations behind our actions.

Cognate: 1596 hekousíōs (an adverb, derived from 1595 /hekoúsion) – properly, willingly (willfully), i.e. "what is of free-will" (J. Thayer). See 1635 (hekōn).

Word Origin
from hekousios
Definition
voluntarily
NASB Translation
voluntarily (1), willfully (1).

STRONGS NT 1596: ἑκουσίως

ἑκουσίως, adverb (from Euripides down), voluntarily, willingly, of one's own accord: Hebrews 10:26 (ἑκουσίως ἁμαρτάνειν (A. V. to sin willfully) is tacitly opposed to sins committed inconsiderately, and from ignorance or from weakness); 1 Peter 5:2.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

willfully, willingly.

Adverb from the same as hekousion; voluntarily -- wilfully, willingly.

see GREEK hekousion

Forms and Transliterations

Εκουσιως εκουσίως Ἑκουσίως Ekousios Ekousiōs Hekousios Hekousiōs Hekousíos Hekousíōs

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts