Does the Bible say anything about a Conscious and Unconscious Mind?

Question

Unfortunately, I don't have a rigorous definition of "conscious" and "unconscious" mind, although I think most of us would agree that they exist.

Question: Is there any verse in the Bible that says anything about the split between conscious and unconscious mind?

Answer 1

The Bible is filled with distinctions between conscious and subconscious. However a clear demarcation in the original languages is not always clear as the those precise terms were not used.  In English we often refer to our subconscious with other words and it is the same way in Biblical Hebrew and Greek

For example εβουλομην often means  'consciously purposed' as here:

15 Και ταυτη τη πεποιθησει εβουλομην προς υμας ελθειν προτερον ινα δευτεραν χαριν 

Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. (NIV 2 Corinthians 1:15)

On the converse θελω often means 'subconscious desires' as in this verse:

19 ου γαρ ο θελω ποιω αγαθον αλλ ο ου θελω κακον τουτο 

For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (NIV Romans 7:19)

According to the TDNT by Gerhard Kittel:

The one finds in θέλειν impulsive and unconscious desire, and in βούλεσθαι rational and conscious.

However just as in English these words tend to overlap and can be substitutes for each other. Phrases like  'having a desire', 'seeking', 'wanting' or 'purposing' or 'being ready or inclined' may have to be assigned to the conscious, subconscious, both, or neither, depending on the context.

 

Answer 2

2 Peter 2:12 talks about unrighteous men who indulge the flesh. The verse describes them as "creatures of instinct" and "unreasoning animals".

It seems significant that they are described as being moved by "instinct" rather than "reason".

This seems to indicate that it is error to be led by the "unconscious mind" at the expense of the "conscious mind".

I'm not sure "walking" should be classified as "unconscious", though; indeed, if it were, you may walk into traffic without thinking, as a sleep-walker might. ;p

Answer 3

The verse that stands out for me here is Psalm 32:9:

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

I read it as: "don't just go on autopilot or on habit, following the crowd. God gave you a brain, use it!"