The difference between these two words is important;
and, in the occurrences of each, this Appendix is referred to.
1. thelo means to wish or desire,
and is the emotional element which leads to the consequent action. It is therefore
stronger than boulomai, because the natural impulse is stronger than the
reasoned resolve.
2. The Noun thelema must also be noted, with
the same distinction from boulema, as denoting the desire rather than the
resolve.
3. boulomai, though it sometimes means much
more, yet has reference to the result of thelo; videlicet the deliberate
determination, whether in accordance with, or contrary to, the original wish or impluse.
4. In like manner the Noun boulema is to be
distinguished from thelema (Number 2) as denoting resolve, counsel, or
determination, rather than the wish or desire. Boulema occurs only twice,
Acts 27:43. Romans 9:19. The Noun, boule,
with a similar meaning, occurs twelve times. For illustrations of the differences see
Matthew 1:19. Mark 15:9,12,15. Romans 7:15, etc.