[Greek] λογίζομαι (logizomai), [Latin] cogitare, [Latin] reputare, [Latin] deputare, [Latin] existimare, [Latin] aribitrare, [Latin] acceptare: to reckon, to take into account, to regard, to suppose, to count, to have books balanced, to reason, to conclude, to calculate, to compute, to set one’s account, to make a calculation of something; 1Cor. 13:5, 2Cor5:19, Lk.22:37, 2Cor.10:2, Mk.15:28, Rom.4:3, Gal.3:6, Jas.2:23
In Athens sits the statue of a pondering Plato. Athena stands in the background.
Background Information:
Secular world: This term is used primarily in reckoning, in conducting commercial transactions, and in considering philosophical and political matters. Pertaining to commercial dealings and legal language, one reckons the amount to be paid and charges the one who owes this amount. Deliberating involves the non-emotional thinking of the philosopher who seeks knowledge and engages in political persuasion. Plato, “though unaffected by the emotions,” seeks to grasp objective facts.
Old Testament: In addition to reckoning and crediting, this term provides the sense of considering in varied and nuanced ways. In addition, this term takes on a more personal, emotional, and subjective character in value judgments and accusations. This term is also used in the religious sphere in imputing righteousness and judgment. The Lord credited Abraham as an act of righteousness (Gen.15:6). No reckoning was asked of them regarding the funds provided to them (2Kgs. 22:7). Judah thought she was a harlot (Gen. 38:15). Here is a people that lives apart and does not think reckon itself among the nation (Num.23:9). Saul intended to have David fall into the hands of the Phillistines (1 Sam. 18:25). The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps (Prov.16:9).
New Testament: This term is used quite frequently (around 40 times) in the New Testament. This term is used with the sense of to reason about, to keep a mental record, to hold a view, and to charge to an account. Paul mentions that our spiritual perspective and understanding will mature over time. God, by not counting our trespasses us, allows for forgiveness. As Abraham believed God, Abraham was credited with righteousness.
Scripture:
“Abraham reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead and he received Isaac back as a symbol.” Heb. 11:19
Abraham was so faithful to God that he would offer up son Isaac to be offered up as a sacrifice. Abraham believed in the power of God to raise Isaac from the dead. Through God’s intervention, Abraham was able to receive back Isaac. This event foreshadows the Father offering up His own Son Jesus.
“When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, thinks as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.” 1 Cor.13:11
Paul view his ministry in terms of thinking, judging, planning, resolving, and reason. In order to see clearly, one need to put aside childish (immature) reasoning.
“God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:19
God does count trespasses against us. God is will to forgive our trespasses. God provides an avenue for reconciliation.
“It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God.” Acts.15:19
The Council of Jerusalem determined that the Gentiles need not be subject to circumcision laws. However, the Gentile must avoid pollution from idols, meet offered from sacrifices, blood, and unlawful marriage.
Conclusion:
Logic, logical, cogitation, repute, reputation, deputy, exist, arbitrate, arbitration, acceptance
I certainly can see that Plato would use this term in pondering philosophy. I think this was helpful in identifying the underlying idea of reckoning in commercial transactions. This later provides some insight in how reckoning ties in with righteousness, judgement, and justification in the religious sphere. This plays an important role in the story of Abraham.
I was not surprised that this idea of reckoning would continue in the New Testament. Paul further develops this notion. I was surprised by the varied and nuanced uses of the idea of considering in both the Old Testament and New Testament.
The earliest notions of logic was developed by Aristotle. This post helped me to get a glimpse of the meaning of righteousness, justification, and judgment. However, this is not the time nor place to ponder such important theological subject matters.