λογισμός

From the study of Romans 2:15

Range of meaning

λογισμός: calculation, reckoning, reasoning, deliberation, argument (2 Cor 10:4-5, 'arguments'). κατηγορέω (G2723): to accuse, bring a charge, prosecute. ἀπολογέομαι (G0626): to speak in one's defense, make a defense speech.

Against the English

'Thoughts' (KJV, BSB, WEB) is too loose: these are reasonings that argue a case. KJV 'excusing' meant 'clearing of blame' in 1611 but now suggests making lame excuses. NASB 'alternately' and NIV 'sometimes… at other times' make it a back-and-forth. ESV 'conflicting thoughts' makes it an inner struggle.

How it drifted

The English word 'excuse' narrowed. In Early Modern English, to excuse someone was to exculpate or defend them. Today it mostly means offering a pretext or pardoning a fault.

Used elsewhere in the period

κατηγορέω and ἀπολογέομαι are the standard pair for prosecution and defense in Greek courts and in Luke-Acts (e.g. Acts 24:8, 10; 25:8, 16; 26:1-2). Plato's 'Apology' is Socrates' defense speech. λογισμός for moral reasoning appears in 4 Maccabees, where 'pious reason' rules the passions.

From the study of Wisdom of Solomon 12:10

Range of meaning

Calculation, reasoning, reflection; a line of thought, a plan; one's settled mindset. It can be neutral, good ('pious reason') or bad ('crooked reasonings').

Against the English

KJV/Brenton 'cogitation' is an accurate Latin-based word that most readers no longer use. WEB 'manner of thought' and NRSV 'way of thinking' are clearer.

Used elsewhere in the period

Wisdom opens by warning that 'crooked reasonings (logismoi) separate from God' (1:3). In chapter 2 the ungodly 'reasoned wrongly' (2:1, logisamenoi) and set out their philosophy of 'eat, drink, oppress'. 4 Maccabees is built on the thesis that 'devout reason' (eusebēs logismos) masters the passions. Paul speaks of 'tearing down reasonings' (2 Cor 10:5).