Tag Archives: meaning of θέλω

The Greek verb “θέλω”

Found more than two hundred times in the New Testament and most often used in Matthew-Galatians, the Greek verb “thelo” meant “to be willing,” “to wish,” “to have,” “to do,” “desire.”  While this verb is sometimes used in connection with God (Mt. 9:13; 12:7; 27:43; Rom. 9:16, 18), Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 4:19), and the devil (Lk. 4:6), it is most often associated with human beings.  This verb is associated with healing (Mk. 1:40; 10:51), being a disciple of Christ (Mk. 8:34), and even some degree of non-compliance with God’s will (Heb. 12:17; Jas. 2:20; 2 Pet. 3:5).