STRONGS NT 1760: ἐνθυμέομαιἐνθυμέομαι, ἐνθυμοῦμαι; a deponent passive; 1 aorist participle ἐνθυμηθείς; from Aeschylus down, with the object now in the genitive now in the accusative; cf. Matthiae, § 349, ii., p. 823; Kühner, § 417 Anm. 9, ii., p. 310; (Jelf, § 485); Krüger, § 47, 11, 1 and 2; (from ἐν and θυμός); to bring to mind, revolve in mind, ponder: τί, Matthew 1:20; Matthew 9:4; to think, to deliberate: περί τίνος, about anything, Acts 10:19 Rec. (So also Wis. 6:16; Plato, rep. 10, p. 595 a.; Isocrates, epistle 9, p. 614, § 9 Bekker) (Compare: διενθυμέομαι.)

The verb ἐνθυμέομαι (Strong’s Greek 1760) expresses the inward movement of the mind as it turns something over, weighs possibilities, and allows the heart to be searched. Rather than a passing notion, it marks a reflective process that shapes action and reveals motive.

Occurrences in the New Testament Narrative

The word appears three times, each at a decisive turning-point: Joseph’s crisis over Mary (Matthew 1:20), Jesus’ exposure of the scribes’ hidden hostility (Matthew 9:4), and Peter’s puzzlement over the rooftop vision (Acts 10:19). In all three scenes God breaks in upon human deliberation, redirecting the outcome.

Joseph’s Deliberation (Matthew 1:20)

“But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife…’” (Matthew 1:20). Joseph’s reflection is honest, moral, and compassionate, yet incomplete until illuminated by revelation. The verb underlines the grace of God entering ordinary human reasoning to safeguard the Incarnation and preserve the Davidic line.

Hidden Thoughts Revealed (Matthew 9:4)

“But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?’” (Matthew 9:4). Here ἐνθυμέομαι exposes the moral quality of contemplation; sinful musing is not neutral. The Lord reads and rebukes the heart, demonstrating His divine omniscience and His authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6).

Peter’s Rooftop Reflection (Acts 10:19)

“As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you.’” (Acts 10:19). The apostle’s struggle to interpret the vision of unclean animals prepares him to welcome Gentiles into the church. The Spirit’s interruption underscores the missionary expansion of the gospel and the dismantling of ceremonial barriers (Acts 10:28, 34–35).

Roots in Jewish Meditation

Greek ἐνθυμέομαι parallels the Hebrew הגה (hagah, “to meditate, muse”) found in Psalms 1:2 and 63:6. Both verbs portray sustained rumination, whether on God’s law or on immediate circumstances. The New Testament usage shows continuity with this heritage while revealing the fuller, Christ-centered light that now enters human pondering.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Human Reflection

In two of the three passages (Matthew 1:20; Acts 10:19) the Holy Spirit either speaks directly or is the agent of revelation. Genuine reflection becomes a venue for divine guidance; the Spirit does not bypass the mind but invades it, transforming natural reasoning into obedient faith (cf. Romans 12:2; 2 Timothy 2:7).

Ethical and Pastoral Implications

1. Thoughts are morally weighted (Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 9:4).
2. Deliberation must be submitted to Scripture and the Spirit (Psalm 119:15; Acts 10:15).
3. God often answers while we ponder, not only when we pray aloud (Genesis 24:45).
4. Pastors can encourage believers to cultivate sanctified reflection rather than impulsive decision-making (James 1:19).

Intertestamental and Early Church Usage

Jewish writings of the Second Temple period frequently commend hēsychia—quiet, reflective study of Torah. Early Christian fathers continued this practice, urging believers to examine their hearts under the Word. Origen linked ἐνθυμέομαι with the “inner chamber” of prayer (Matthew 6:6), where the soul dialogues with God.

Christological Significance

The occurrences frame pivotal messianic events: the virgin birth, the revelation of Jesus’ authority, and the opening of salvation to the nations. In each, Christ’s identity or mission comes into sharper focus when human reflection meets divine disclosure, fulfilling “the mystery hidden for ages” (Colossians 1:26).

Application for Contemporary Discipleship

• Practice scriptural meditation that invites correction and guidance.
• Submit private reasoning to communal discernment, as Peter did by going to Cornelius’ house with witnesses (Acts 10:23).
• Recognize that Christ still challenges evil thoughts and comforts troubled minds, calling believers to purity and courage.

Summary

Strong’s 1760 captures the interior dialogue of the heart at crucial junctures in redemptive history. When surrendered to God, such pondering becomes a channel for revelation, conviction, and mission. When resisted, it exposes hidden sin. Thus Scripture urges every believer to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).