Boulēma (βούλημα) refers to a deliberate will, intention, or settled purpose — not mere impulse but determined resolve. It is related to boulē (counsel, plan) and reflects the idea of a planned, purposeful decision. In its two NT occurrences it refers to human intention thwarted by God and God's own sovereign will that cannot be resisted.
Romans 9:19 uses boulēma to address the mystery of divine sovereignty: "who can resist his will?" This is the language of absolute divine authority — God's determined purpose stands firm regardless of human resistance. Yet this sovereignty is not cold determinism; it is the will of a loving Father who "works all things according to the counsel of his will" (Ephesians 1:11) for the ultimate good of those He loves.