ἑκουσίως

The Greek word ἑκουσίως (hekousiōs, Strong's number: G1596) means "volitionally" or "of one's own will." It is derived from the root words ἑκ- (hek-), which means "of one's own will," and the suffix -ουσίως (-ousiōs), which indicates the manner in which an action is performed. The short definition provided states that the word means "voluntarily." This word appears only twice in the Bible, indicating that it is a rare but significant term used to emphasize the concept of free will. It suggests that an action is taken without compulsion or coercion, but rather with deliberate intent and choice. In biblical contexts, ἑκουσίως emphasizes the importance of individual agency and the distinction between actions taken based on one's own will and those imposed by external forces.