Lexical Summary nomizó: To think, suppose, assume, consider, or believe. Original Word: νομίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance supposeFrom nomos; properly, to do by law (usage), i.e. To accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard -- suppose, thing, be wont. see GREEK nomos HELPS Word-studies 3543 nomízō (from 3551 /nómos, "law") – properly, to suppose (assume) that something applies (or is derived from); to assume a prevailing custom (law, practice). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nomos Definition to practice, consider NASB Translation suppose (1), supposed (4), supposing (3), think (4), thinks (1), thought (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3543: νομίζωνομίζω; imperfect ἐνόμιζον; 1 aorist ἐνομισα; imperfect passive ἐνομιζομην; (νόμος); as in Greek authors from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; 1. to hold by custom or usage, own as a custom or usage; to follow custom or usage; passive νομίζεται it is the custom, it is the received usage: οὗ ἐνομίζετο προσευχή εἶναι, where according to custom was a place of prayer, Acts 16:13 (but L T Tr WH read οὗ ἐνομίζομεν προσευχήν εἶναι, where we supposed there was, etc.; cf. 2 below), (2 Macc. 14:4). 2. to deem, think, suppose: followed by an infinitive, Acts 8:20; 1 Corinthians 7:36; followed by an accusative with an infinitive, Luke 2:44; Acts 7:25; Acts 14:19; Acts 16:(18 (see 1 above)), Acts 16:27; Acts 17:29; 1 Corinthians 7:26; 1 Timothy 6:5; followed by ὅτι, Matthew 5:17; Matthew 10:34 (Winer's Grammar, § 56, 1 b.); Matthew 20:10; Acts 21:29; ὡς ἐνομίζετο, as was accustomed to be supposed, Luke 3:23. (Synonym: see ἡγέομαι, at the end.) In the New Testament the verb translated “suppose,” “consider,” or “presume” appears fifteen times (for example, Matthew 5:17; Acts 17:29; 1 Timothy 6:5). It marks points where human expectation meets divine reality, exposing the limits of natural reasoning and the need for revelation. Assumptions Challenged by Christ Jesus twice warns His hearers not to form the wrong conclusions about His mission: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets” (Matthew 5:17) and “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth” (Matthew 10:34). The verb highlights widespread but faulty expectations that He immediately corrects with authoritative truth. Everyday Presumptions in the Gospels Luke shows how ordinary assumptions can hide extraordinary realities. Joseph and Mary “supposed that He was in their company” (Luke 2:44), yet the boy Jesus was back in the temple. Later, Jesus “was, as was supposed, the son of Joseph” (Luke 3:23), pointing to the incarnation’s hidden mystery. Tension Between Custom and Revelation in Acts Eight uses in Acts illustrate the early church’s collision with common opinion: • Stephen “thought his brothers would understand” God’s deliverance (Acts 7:25), but they did not. These snapshots show how untested assumptions can threaten gospel work, whereas Spirit-led discernment advances it. Apostolic Counsel In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul uses the verb for pastoral judgments: “I think then that it is good because of the present distress” (verse 26) and “If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward his betrothed” (verse 36). Here the word signals thoughtful, Spirit-guided opinion. Paul also warns against those “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (1 Timothy 6:5), exposing mercenary motives. Theological Implications 1. Human reasoning, even when sincere, is limited (Acts 7:25; Luke 2:44). Historical and Cultural Setting The term often described what custom or law regarded as normal. New Testament writers adopt this everyday word to confront prevailing social, religious, and philosophical conventions, contrasting them with the new order in Christ. Ministry Applications • Test popular assumptions against Scripture, following Jesus’ “Do not think” pattern. Pastoral Reflection Every occurrence of this verb invites believers to evaluate the gap between what they presume and what God has revealed. Moving from presumption to obedience aligns the mind with truth, fulfilling the call to “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 5:17 V-ASA-2PGRK: Μὴ νομίσητε ὅτι ἦλθον NAS: Do not think that I came to abolish KJV: Think not that INT: not Think that I came Matthew 10:34 V-ASA-2P Matthew 20:10 V-AIA-3P Luke 2:44 V-APA-NMP Luke 3:23 V-IIM/P-3S Acts 7:25 V-IIA-3S Acts 8:20 V-AIA-2S Acts 14:19 V-PPA-NMP Acts 16:13 V-IIA-1P Acts 16:27 V-PPA-NMS Acts 17:29 V-PNA Acts 21:29 V-IIA-3P 1 Corinthians 7:26 V-PIA-1S 1 Corinthians 7:36 V-PIA-3S 1 Timothy 6:5 V-PPA-GMP Strong's Greek 3543 |
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