신약에서의 '이성적 사고력'

'Intellectual Mind' in the New Testament: 'Nous' and 'Noēma'

This paper attempts to examine all references to 'nous(intellectual mind)' and 'noēma(thought)' in the Greek New Testament in order to verify their meanings through comparing their usages in ancient Greek philosophy. In addition to this, this paper will propose a more relevant translation of these words into Korean than those in the Revised Korean Version. The word 'nous' was understood in classical Greek philosophy as the most noble part of the human soul and regarded to be divine, functioning as a pure thought or "Idea.' So, the concept of 'nous' has been influenced and developed to be the commonly understood meaning of 'reason' in Western philosophy since Platon. But neither 'nous' nor its cognate verb 'νοέω(noeō)' function in the New Testament as independent and self-sufficient power to know the glory and thoughts of God. Rather the human nous is described in the New Testament to be exposed to intellectual depravity and corruption for understanding of spiritual truth, and so especially for unbelievers and heretics. Luke and Paul affirm it's positive functions in understanding divine truth and spiritual life, but emphasize the necessary help from God. Paul often admonishes fellow believers to continually renew their 'nous' in order to understand God's will and live a holy life. He also warns that the human 'noēma' can be overpowered through anxieties and depraved by Satan's schemes. Therefore believers should always pray that God would keep their 'noēma' with His surpassing peace.