βουλεύω

From the study of John 11:53

Range of meaning

To deliberate, take counsel, think something over. In the middle voice it means to resolve or decide after deliberating, or to plan or intend. It is related to boulē ('counsel, council'). In Greek cities the Boulē was the formal civic council, so the word belongs to the language of official bodies making decisions. It can also be used of private scheming.

Against the English

BSB 'plotted' and NIV 'plotted' stress conspiracy. KJV/WEB/YLT 'took counsel' keep the sense of deliberation. ESV 'made plans' and NASB 'planned together' fall between the two. None is wrong, but 'plotted' can make readers picture a few men whispering, rather than the nation's highest religious authority reaching a decision in session.

How it drifted

In modern English 'plot' mostly suggests a secret, illegitimate scheme. The Greek word itself does not decide whether the decision was legitimate. It describes a council resolving something. Context shows the decision was kept from the public (11:57, 'gave orders that anyone who knew where he was should report it').

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) uses bouleuō for planning harm against someone, e.g. Ps 2:2 'the rulers took counsel together against the LORD and his anointed' (synēchthēsan … in some forms; the bouleuō family appears in related psalms such as Ps 31[30]:13, 'they took counsel to take my life'). In John 12:10 the same verb is used of the chief priests: 'ebouleusanto hina kai ton Lazaron apokteinōsin', 'they resolved to kill Lazarus also'. The Synoptic parallel Matt 26:4 has synebouleusanto 'to seize Jesus by stealth and kill him'. In ordinary Greek (Herodotus, Thucydides, inscriptions) the word is used of councils deliberating.

From the study of John 12:10

Range of meaning

In the middle voice (the form used here): to deliberate, take counsel together, then to resolve or decide on a course of action. Related to βουλή ('counsel, plan, decision') and to the council (βουλή/συνέδριον) where such decisions were made. It can describe honest deliberation or scheming, depending on the context.

Against the English

KJV 'consulted' and YLT 'took counsel' keep the group-deliberation sense. BSB/NIV 'made plans' and NASB 'planned' bring out the result. WEB 'conspired' adds a note of secrecy and wrongdoing that comes from the context rather than from the verb itself. NLT 'decided' brings out the fact that a decision was reached.

How it drifted

In modern English 'consulted' (KJV) usually means asking someone for advice. In 1611 it also meant deliberating together, which is the sense here.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in classical and Koine Greek for council deliberations. In the LXX it is used for plotting against someone, e.g. Ps 2:2 and Ps 31(30):13 ('they took counsel together against me, they planned to take my life'). In John it appears only at 11:53 ('from that day they planned to kill him') and here. In the NT it is also used of the soldiers' plan in Acts 27:39 and of Paul's plans in 2 Cor 1:17.

From the study of Acts 27:39

Range of meaning

To deliberate, take counsel, plan, resolve. In this voice it means to make a plan for oneself or among oneself and others (Luke 14:31, a king 'considers' whether he can win; Acts 5:33; 15:37).

Against the English

BSB/WEB 'decided' makes the verb sound final. ESV 'planned' and KJV 'were minded' keep more of the sense of a plan being formed. YLT 'took counsel' is closest to the form.

Used elsewhere in the period

Standard Greek usage from the classical period on. Used in the Septuagint for counsel and plotting.