The English translation of a word that, in classical Greek, referred to knowledge, especially the knowledge derived from reflection on one’s past deeds. The Greek idea of conscience as self-reflection finds little place in the OT. In the NT, however, the term occurs some thirty times, primarily in writings attributed to Paul (Romans). In (Rom 2:15; Rom 9:1 and 2Cor 1:12), it refers to knowledge or awareness of the nature of one’s own thoughts, motives, and actions; in (2Cor 4:2 and 2Cor 5:11), it appears to refer to one’s judgments regarding the motives and actions of another. The term also occurs twice in (Acts 23:1, Acts 24:16) both times on the lips of Paul), five times in (Heb 9:9; Heb 9:14; Heb 10:2; Heb 10:22; Heb 13:18), and three times in (1Pet 2:19; 1Pet 3:16; 1Pet 3:21). In a few instances, the meaning apparently is something like “consciousness” or “awareness” (Heb 10:2; 1Pet 2:19, NRSV: “being aware of”). Elsewhere, the writers can speak of a “good” or “bad” conscience (Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16; 1Tim 1:5; 1Tim 1:19; 1Tim 3:9; 1Tim 4:2; 2Tim 1:3; Titus 1:15; Heb 10:22; Heb 13:18; 1Pet 3:16; 1Pet 3:21) or of “perfecting” or “purifying” the conscience (Heb 9:9; Heb 9:14).
