From dia (through) + nous (mind) — the faculty of thinking, understanding, and moral reasoning. Dianoia refers to the mind in its active, processing capacity — not just intellect but the deep orientation of thought and imagination.
The greatest commandment includes loving God 'with all your mind' (Mark 12:30) — dianoia — indicating that faith engages the intellect, not just the emotions. Before salvation, the mind is 'darkened' (Ephesians 4:18) and 'hostile to God' (Colossians 1:21). The new covenant promise is that God will put His laws 'in their minds' (Hebrews 8:10). Christian transformation is fundamentally a renewal of dianoia.