Consider

Greek Word Pronunciation: he-GAY-o-mai
Strong’s Number: 2233
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 2451
Key Verse: “Consider it all joy ... when you encounter various trials …” James 1:2

Hegeomai was used of “governing” or “leading the way,” and then came to be translated as “think, esteem, regard, or consider.” In the Septuagint, it is used routinely of military commanders, officials, princes, and governors. In the New Testament, the noun form is “governor, prince, or ruler.” Several times, the word takes the form of a participal, as in Matthew 2:6, “Bethlehem ... no means least among the leaders (noun) of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a ruler (literally, “the one governing”). This participle is translated as leader, governor, or chief in Luke 22:26; Acts 7:10, 14:12, 15:22; and Hebrews 13:17, 24.

In the NASB, the verb translates as esteem in 1 Thessalonians 5:13; and as think in 2 Corinthians 9:5, Philippians 2:25, and Hebrews 10:29. The word is count in 2 Peter 2:13; and in Philippians 3:7, Paul “counted as loss” the things not only insufficient to enrich him, but what would certainly impoverish and ruin him, if he trusted to them, in opposition to Christ. In verse 8, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.” He speaks of all things which could stand in competition with Christ for the throne in his heart. In 2 Peter 3:9 and 3:15, this same Greek word is translated as both count and regard: “the Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness ... regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation.” The Lord will keep to the time appointed in coming to judge the world. In Philippians 2:3, we are told to “regard one another as more important than himself.” [Paul said of himself that he was “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). As Paul matured, his view of himself decreased.] This word is translated consider in Acts 26:2, 1 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 11:11, 26, and 2 Peter 1:13. In 1 Timothy 1:12, Christ considered Paul faithful. Christ gives not only ability, but fidelity, to those whom he puts into the ministry. Paul’s thanking God for this shows that the merit of his faithfulness was due solely to God’s grace, not to his own natural strength.

Finally, in JAMES 1:2, the apostle says to “consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” This is not to be understood as meaning that these trials are joyful in themselves, but that as a means to beneficial results, they are to be rejoiced in.